The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) responded to residents’ concerns about cutting down a 100 year old tree.
Ward councillor, Clr Bill Rundle, questioned the authorisation to cut down the landmark tree.
He said residents were angry and older residents advised that it was a protected tree.
The tree was in Frances Road, Dunvegan.
In response, Mr Themba Gadebe the EMM’s spokesperson, said the EMM’s Parks Department has a responsibility to maintain trees.
It includes saving trees that are endangered and removing those that are a threat to property and the community.
“The owner of the property requested for the removal of the tree as it was damaging the property and interfered with the services. It was high and at risk of breaking and falling, which could have caused injury and even a fatality. The tree was removed after considering all the risk factors,” said Mr Gadebe.
He also said that metro’s parks department does not have records of protected trees in Edenvale.
