Initiative launched to replace invasive species

A new initiative has been launched to replace water-intensive invasive tree species with native species throughout the Northside region.

This is part of a larger vision for the entire area, fueled by residents’ associations (RAs)who have taken it upon themselves to restore the Northside to its former glory.

The most common invasive alien tree species include eucalyptus, blue gum as it is commonly known, various pine species, and black wattle. These are very water-intensive and relatively fast-growing trees. They spread quickly wherever they occur and they tend to negatively affect indigenous species.

Another invasive tree commonly found in local greenland and wetland areas is the weeping willow, a tree known to be especially susceptible to the Polyphagous shot hole borer beetle, an invasive and highly destructive pest that has been posing a major threat to local tree species since it was first discovered in South Africa in 2017. Shot borers are also commonly found in eucalyptus trees.

According to WRAP Residents Association chair Martin van der Westhuizen, the removal of invasive tree species throughout the region is to be done in partnership with various other residents associations and forms part of a plan to secure and beautify local parks and open areas.

“As RAs, our mission is to stop the rapid decline that we have seen in our communities in the recent past.

“Our natural areas and open spaces are not maintained, attracting vagrants and criminals. This contributes to crime and a decline in property values. As a community, we have taken it upon ourselves to do something about this, since we cannot depend on the local authorities to deliver the services that we are compelled to pay for.”

Van der Westhuizen said that a lot of research has gone into this plan, and assures communities that trees removed will be replaced by an indigenous species that naturally occurs in the area.

“We will be cautious, and take into account all relevant factors, including erosion and flooding, which is an issue in our green land areas.”

Van der Westhuizen has urged the community and local businesses to contribute to this, and other initiatives aimed at uplifting and beautifying the area.

“We are planning to partly fund the initiative by selling the wood from invasive species, but more help is needed if a significant change is to take place in a relatively short time. Any donations will be welcome. From tools and machinery to indigenous trees, to money that will be used to pay workers.”

As with all the initiatives instituted by the RAs, there will be a focus on job creation and skills development. Local RAs have partnered with The Bethany House Trust’s Toolbox project which aims to help develop skills and provide meaningful employment opportunities for impoverished people who take part in their programmes.

For more information on this initiative, email the WRAP Residents Association at coj.whra@gmail.com.