Spare the city’s green lungs
JOBURG – City parks pleads with residents not to cut down trees in their neighbourhoods.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is appealing to residents to refrain from the illegal removal of trees.
In statement, the utility said it had been inundated with requests to remove trees during the seasonal phenomenon of falling leaves during this time of year. However, it was concerned that there was an upward surge of the unwarranted removal of trees by residents due to leaves falling into properties, gutters and swimming pools. Residents were encouraged to cover their pools as opposed to removing trees.
It stated that street trees were the property of the City of Johannesburg and were protected by the strict Open Space bylaws which prohibited the removal or disturbance of trees or planting of any vegetation without approval, of which permission must be obtained from JCPZ. These bylaws state that ‘no person may damage any tree on any public road within the municipal area of the council without the prior written permission from the council, only JCPZ is authorised to remove, maintain and prune street trees’.
According to the utility, Joburg is one of the most densely populated cities, with an influx of job seekers, a spike in student accommodation, high rise residential areas and infrastructural development. The abundance of indigenous trees plays a vital role in combating and reducing the effects of climate change as they not only absorb air pollutants and provide clean oxygen but also promotes a sense of tranquillity and beauty in residential areas and metropolitans.
Leaves are said to retain the earth’s moisture through mulching and can be used to make compost in gardens. The removal of healthy trees has an adverse effect on our birdlife, plants, biodiversity as well as the city’s economy. Green lungs play a critical role in improving the well-being and health of people living in cities.
Details: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, 011 712 6600 or Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555.
