Property company erroneously removes trees

Whilst advocating for the preservation of plants and vegetation in the environment, the process of industrial growth and development can interfere with that resolution.

One would have noticed developments in Rosebank within recent years and Markus Scheuermaier from iHlathi, the Melrose-Birdhaven Conservancy raised concerns about the removal of trees there. Scheuermaier referred in particular to the trees that were removed on the centre islands of Oxford Road in front of Growthpoint Properties.

“These trees were planted four years ago with the total cost of the planting at the time at about R50 000. Please allow me to ask a few questions: Is it indeed Growthpoint that has removed the trees? If so, has a permit been obtained from City Parks? What are the plans for reinstatement?” Scheuermaier asked.

A response from the head of asset management at Growthpoint Properties, Paul Kollenberg stated that the four young trees were removed in error when the island in the centre of Oxford Road was reduced in width to accommodate a turning lane.

“Of the four trees, two were removed, we believe, by a Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) member. We are still trying to trace who this was. The two remaining trees were collected by City Parks. We are happy to replant or replace the trees, and are waiting for a meeting with City Parks for guidance on where they would like the trees planted,” Kollenberg said.

Spokesperson from the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Jenny Moodley said, “There are various responses in this regard from the City’s enforcement department who is consulting with the City’s legal team as well the chair of the business forums. It is therefore premature to comment until we have proper feedback.”

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