Ekurhuleni explains tree removals in Bedfordview amid resident concerns
The City of Ekurhuleni says trees in Bedfordview are only removed for safety risks or development needs, with some areas seeing replacement planting after roadworks and infrastructure projects.
Green spaces, including wetlands and parks, are maintained, and trees are also planted, to balance development needs with environmental sustainability, according to the City of Ekurhuleni.
This was in response to concerns about the removal of trees in Bedfordview.
Spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, on April 17, explained that mature trees are removed following an inspection that determines they pose a risk to public safety or nearby infrastructure.
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Additionally, tree removal is required when trees obstruct planned construction developments within an area.
Regarding the trees at Bedford Crossing, Dlamini said the Department of Roads removed certain trees to facilitate road widening, with the understanding that replacements would be planted.
He added that, subsequently, additional trees were planted at Bedford Crossing to replace those removed.
“Permission was not granted for the removal of trees at the corner of Van Buuren and Kloof roads. Consequently, the developer who proceeded with the tree removal was taken to court by the residents,” revealed Dlamini.
He further said the parks division removed trees at the corner of Bowling Road and Florence Avenue due to root growth that caused cracks in the perimeter wall and created a potential risk of the trees falling onto the property.
Dlamini explained that the environmental impact assessment is not included in the Metro Parks division’s tree removal procedures; therefore, it was not carried out for this tree removal.
When a large tree is scheduled for removal, nearby residents or businesses are sometimes notified so they can take safety precautions, Dlamini shared.
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He said that developers or property owners are required to replace or offset trees removed; this provision does not apply to every tree-removal request.
Green spaces, including wetlands and parks, are maintained, and trees are also planted, to balance development needs with environmental sustainability, according to the City of Ekurhuleni.
This was in response to concerns about the removal of trees in Bedfordview.
Spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, on April 17, explained that mature trees are removed following an inspection that determines they pose a risk to public safety or nearby infrastructure.
Additionally, tree removal is required when trees obstruct planned construction developments within an area.
Regarding the trees at Bedford Crossing, Dlamini said the Department of Roads removed certain trees to facilitate road widening, with the understanding that replacements would be planted.
He added that, subsequently, additional trees were planted at Bedford Crossing to replace those removed.
“Permission was not granted for the removal of trees at the corner of Van Buuren and Kloof roads.
Consequently, the developer who proceeded with the tree removal was taken to court by the residents,” revealed Dlamini.
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He further said the parks division removed trees at the corner of Bowling Road and Florence Avenue due to root growth that caused cracks in the perimeter wall and created a potential risk of the trees falling onto the property.
Dlamini explained that the environmental impact assessment is not included in the Metro Parks division’s tree removal procedures; therefore, it was not carried out for this tree removal.
When a large tree is scheduled for removal, nearby residents or businesses are sometimes notified so they can take safety precautions, Dlamini shared.
He said that developers or property owners are required to replace or offset trees removed; this provision does not apply to every tree-removal request.
