The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality was commended by an Edenvale resident who requested that certain trees be cut down.
A resident of Third Avenue was having problems with the roots of Syringa trees planted on the pavement in front of her house.
The roots were growing under the paving blocks of the property, lifting them up.
According to the women, it was a hard decision to make as she has lived at her home along the street for 20 years and watched the trees grow.
She said the trees provided lovely shade but they were also destroying her paving, growing towards her walls’ foundations as well as having poisonous seeds.
Saringa trees are non-native to South Africa; they were brought in from Asia. The trees are invasive and grow quite large, producing berries and seeds that are poisonous. The berries and seeds can cause vomiting, respiratory issues and seizures.
Although the operation is ongoing, the home owner is happy with the service she has received from Ekurhuleni.
Individuals who want to contact the Ekurhuleni Municipality can do so by visiting the Customer Care Centre at the corner of Van Riebeeck Avenue and Hendrik Potgieter Street.
Alternatively, contact the Ekurhuleni service call centre on 0860 543 000 or report it via the EMM’s website, www.ekurhuleni.gov.za
