City Parks and Zoo to investigate three illegally felled trees in Midrand
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo urges residents to safeguard and value the city's ageing tree canopy that is already under severe threat following an alleged cut down of three indigenous trees.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) said it was aware of the illegal removal of three established trees on the corner of R101 (Old Pretoria Road) and Le Roux Avenue in Midrand.
The utility’s regional manager in Region A Joseph Ndou said they had commenced the process of assessing the loss and identifying the perpetrators.
He said they would determine the replacement value of the trees based on age, size, location, species and historical value and an invoice would be generated to compensate the residents of Joburg for the loss.
“This is to protect the city’s ageing tree canopy which is under threat due to growing urbanisation and densification, compounded by the challenges of diseases and inclement weather. Every tree in the city needs to be protected – now more than ever before,” said Ndou.
He urged residents to plant indigenous or fruit trees on their properties to attract biodiversity, enhance air quality and ensure communities enjoyed a more beautiful neighbourhood and lifestyle. “Moreover, JCPZ will also be opening a criminal case at the Midrand Police Station during the course of this week for malicious damage to public assets.”
Ndou confirmed on November 15 that a case had been opened at the Midrand Police Station.
President Park resident Rod McShane had contacted the Midrand Reporter about the indigenous trees being illegally felled.
McShane said he was appalled by the incident because Midrand did not have enough trees which made the loss of these trees even worse.
“Most people do not understand their [trees] importance beyond just aesthetics. Global warming is an existential threat today and trees are not only an extremely important carbon sink but they also provide crucial protection for all forms of wildlife, which in turn is crucial for human survival,” said McShane.
He said it was heartbreaking to see full-grown beautiful indigenous trees, which had probably taken more than 20 years to grow to that size, being cut down for no good reason.
City Parks spokesperson Jenny Moodley said if anyone was found to be cutting down city council trees, they could be fined between
R20 00 and R150 000 per tree.
Midrand police spokesperson Constable Eliot Mabulane said, “From our side, the case has not yet been registered and captured on our system but once it is captured we will investigate the case.”
Transgressors caught felling trees can be reported to trees@jhbcityparks.com or call 011 712 6600 during office hours or 011 375 5555 after hours.
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