Kensington resident left with a mess in his garden after City Parks cuts back a 100-year-old tree

Kensington resident Graham Bailey was left with a mess in his garden after Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo cut the branches of a tree situated next to his fence.

According to Bailey, the workers cut the branches of the tree, with some of the branches falling into his garden and onto his fence, damaging it.

“I was shocked when no one came into the yard to collect the branches that were cut off or coming to check if there was any damage to my property. The branches blocked my driveway and refuse bin. I had to clean up the mess myself in my driveway and pavement for pedestrians to able to use it,” explained Bailey.

The experience left him with great concern due to the negligence of the City Parks workers.

“The 100-year-old tree was mutilated and the workers were inconsiderate about the damage they did to my property.”

Jenny Moodley, spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, said the tree needed to be cut. “A dead tree that has the potential to cause some damage is a priority and needs to be cut,” she said Moodley.

“The dead tree was felled at stump level and the branches were removed within 14 days, as per the City of Joburg’s Customer Charter that guides turnaround times for service delivery. The client opted to utilise the cuttings as firewood and some of it was removed prior to the clean-up operation.”

She further apologised and said, “We would like to apologise to Graham for inconveniencing him during this process.” Moodley urged residents to report service shortfalls to Joburg Connect.

Details: Joburg Connect 011 375 5555.

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