Hillcrest conservancy tackles land invasion during rehabilitation

THE Hillcrest Conservancy undertook an essential project a few years ago to remove large gum trees along Inanda Road in central Hillcrest.

Locals took advantage of the good deed and the area soon became a dumping ground, and illegal land invasion has begun.

“Some of these trees were very old, with their stumps almost burnt through, to the extent that they posed a danger to all road users,” said the Hillcrest Conservancy’s chairman, George Victor. “The plan was to replace these trees with suitable indigenous trees that would enhance the area, provide a sound barrier for the suburb of Hillcrest Park and add to the sustainable cities efforts.”

The area, which borders Inanda Road, became a drive-through dumping ground as garbage was regularly dumped from moving vehicles.

Plastic bags that contained disposable baby nappies were included in the items trashed in this way.

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“Informal settlements are now starting to appear on the road verge, with these well hidden from passing motorists,” said Victor.

The organisation has begun the process to legally remove the informal house along Inanda Road.

Determined to uplift the area, the local non-profit organisation, as part of its Arbor Day effort, planted 40 indigenous trees along the strip.

This was to make it form part of a tree park, where a bridle path will run through the tree line.

“These trees would compliment the existing verge trees and form a natural barrier connecting the road users to nature. Some of the trees have also been chosen for their medicinal use, and will compliment the many the Conservancy has planted in adjoining rural areas, such as Embo,” said Victor.

He said numerous residents jog along the Inanda Road pavement on a daily basis and that the number has only increased as more people now work from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The tree park will eventually increase the jogging options in this area. This tree park will also add much value to the quality of life in Hillcrest, and has been an enjoyable project as we can work safely in isolation and still be part of the wider community,” he said.

As part of the conservancy’s ongoing fundraising, they will dedicate the park to all of those who have been affected by Covid-19.

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“The public can make a donation, however small, in memory of someone who has been affected in some way by the virus. The tree park would be a reminder of some way in which we can remember those affected,” said Victor.

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