Indigenous trees illegally cut down in Halfway Gardens

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe has expressed concern about the cutting down of indigenous trees on Park Road in Halfway Gardens.

Deppe said she was alerted to the issue by a local resident who was worried that the site was up for development and wanted to check whether there was a development application for the about 400m² plot.

Deppe added, “When I arrived I found that indigenous trees had been cut down.”

She added that trees formed part of the Vorna Valley wetland and that it was completely irresponsible of whoever was involved to cut down them down.

“I would like to see whoever has done this brought to justice. They should have written a letter to the council or asked for the necessary permission.”

The spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Jenny Moodley said, “A team is investigating the complaint. The penalties will include a fine as well as having to pay the replacement value of the tree.

“The cost of a tree can vary between R20 000 to

R50 000 depending on the size, location, species and the age of the tree. The team will view historical data of the tree which will be obtained from the Geo-Info System.”

Moodley reiterated MMC for Community Development councillor Margaret Arnold’s call for local residents to protect the city’s tree canopy and plant trees where possible.

She added that residents could report complaints to City Parks by emailing trees@jhbcityparks.com

Details: Joburg City Parks

www.jhbcityparks.com

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/234061/johannesburg-city-parks-and-zoo-is-in-the-process-of-revamping-the-seventh-street-park-in-halfway-house/