The City of Ekurhuleni is rolling out a programme to protect and enhance its green urban infrastructure.
According to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson, the programme entails pruning and replanting of dying street trees.
“As part of the programme, the City is consolidating the list of streets and suburbs that are experiencing backlogs in pruning and replanting of street trees,” said Gadebe.
“At least for a one week in a month, all the street-tree maintenance teams will be consolidated into one team to work on the backlog area. Arboriculture contractors will also be used to bolster the teams for the maintenance of the street trees.”
“Trees, like electrical power lines, water and sewer pipes, are vital infrastructure due to the essential benefits they provide to enhance urban development.”
“Among the benefits of having adequate number of trees in the environment is that they counter the effects of harmful gases by absorbing them and replenishing the oxygen into the atmosphere.
“Emission of harmful gases is inevitable in a rapidly urbanising environment. Trees also have a cooling effect on the environment by providing shades.
“In order to enjoy the benefits of having trees for a longer period, they also require a constant maintenance.”
He said residents are reminded that after pruning, tree branches and leaves might take longer than a day to remove due to the amount of labour needed to remove them, and street cleaning required.
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