Tree a safety risk – resident

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) will not remove any tree based on “perceived safety concerns from residents”.

This was said by Ms Jenny Moodley, the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson, in reply to a Kensington resident’s request to have a tree, next to his driveway, removed.

“The tree creates a safety and security risk for my family and I,” said Mr Sam Motaung.

“It obstruct our view when we drive out. As a result, my wife collided with a cyclist recently when she was driving out. There is a hill and a curve and this adds to poor visibility.

“With this tree here, you actually have to drive into the road before you can see anything. It puts us in danger,” he said.

He said criminals have also used the tree as a hiding place.

“Earlier this year, my wife and I went to the shops one day and returned within an hour. As we were driving in, we noticed a car parked at our house, blocking our gate. I hooted. Two men ran from our property and jumped into the car that was parked in the driveway. Just before it drove off, another man appeared from the tree and also jumped into the car; they all drove off. We did not see him because of this tree,” he said.

According to Mr Motaung, the suspects had derailed the gate to gain access.

Mr Motaung said fortunately the culprits did not manage to gain access to the house.

Mr Motaung said when he approached the CoJ with his request to remove the tree, he was told he would have to pay for the removal.

“We oversee over 6-million trees in public spaces in the City of Joburg. Trees that are dead, diseased or decayed, that we are unable to resuscitate, are the only trees that will be considered for removal,” said Ms Moodley.

She urged residents to reconsider the removal of trees.

“Trees are a critical component of healthy living and we appeal to residents to reconsider their requests to help build a vibrant city,” said Ms Moodley.