District 36 MP warns of delay in tree removal

WARD 36 councilor Heinz de Boer described the lack of pruning, pruning and maintenance of trees in the area as “appalling”.

His comments followed an incident near the intersection of Stirling Crescent and Adelaide Tambo Drive in which a tree branch fell on a resident’s car.

Fortunately, the female driver was not injured, but her car was severely damaged as a result of the accident.

According to De Boer, the eThekwini Municipality has a backlog of six to eight months when it comes to pruning overhanging branches and maintaining trees in the area.

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“It is my understanding that one of the tree branches was moved by strong winds and fell onto the road, hitting a resident’s car. Fortunately, no one was killed, but this should serve as a warning to the municipality about the need for regular pruning and maintenance. Since 9/11, when I took office, one of the first complaints I received was about tree trimming.

“Ward 36 is a very green area with large areas of natural vegetation. This is what makes this place so special and desirable to live in, but at the same time, many trees require regular care. Some are susceptible to termite and ant infestations (not a new phenomenon), and there are some dying trees that are also a danger in high winds. From what I’ve been told, the Parks Department is struggling to keep up with its tasks and the delay is seven to eight months. This is an unacceptable response time and needs to be addressed,” he said.

DeBoer called for the budget to be adjusted so funds could be directed to the Department of Parks, Culture and Recreation.

“There are a number of cases where tree roots damage road surfaces, with trees pushing against walls and branches touching electrical infrastructure. The reality is that the Parks Department is understaffed and there are not enough vehicles, chainsaws and bucket cars that can reach the high branches available to clear the backlog. I don’t blame the Parks Department, but we need the City to adjust their budgets. This department, in my opinion, deserves more money to purchase new equipment and vehicles,” he said.

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