Backlogs in the municipality’s parks department have been revealed as being one of the reasons for the timeous delay between the trimming and removal of branches.
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According to Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro, there is a huge backlog to trim and cut trees in Ekurhuleni.
A Highway Gardens resident recently informed Bedfordview and Edenvale News that branches cut by the municipality were not removed for several weeks.
The resident, who informed the publication that the matter has since been resolved, said the problem became a health and safety concern for the neighbourhood.
Guerreiro said that once trees are cut, residents can wait between three to six weeks for removal.
“There is supposed to be a cycle in terms of trimming but because the department is so behind with work it takes time.”
Guerreiro said the best thing for residents who aren’t having branches removed is to report the matter to him.
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Once removed the branches are taken to the Simmer and Jack Landfill site where the municipality puts them through a wood chipper for recycling.
Other times the chopped wood is distributed to informal settlements.
Explaining why there was a backlog, Guerreiro said in some instances the department’s equipment does not work or there are vehicle issues.
“The officials and teams at the Germiston and Edenvale depots are always top-notch.
“They try and get the job done as best as possible but there are challenges and we can see this not only in the parks department but in all departments.
“The plan is to get all the departments functional, with ample fleet and training and ultimately provide good service delivery.”
Guerreiro advised residents who want to have trees cut along their road to first make sure all residents living along the road are happy with the decision.
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He said tensions can arise in a community if some residents are against the idea of cutting or trimming a tree.
Guerreiro said one way to do this is by conducting a petition.
Ward 92 residents may contact Guerreiro at 071 899 8646 or email him at Kade.Guerreiro@ekurhuleni.gov.za
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