Eucalyptus trees in Bonaero Park with a historical value are again in the spotlight after one of these giants fell over, hitting the perimeter wall of a home.
The tree that fell over on February 22 bridged the road and had to be removed by the parks department.
Pierre Mouton, who lives at Pamula Park on the corner of Mirabel and Bon Cretion streets, said: “If this tree had fallen over in the opposite direction, it would have taken down our complex perimeter wall, flattened my carport and vehicle as well as doing serious damage to my unit.
“We have advised the metro on numerous occasions over the past four to five years of the hazard these trees pose to our complex due to the sheer height they have reached.
“They obviously have not taken us seriously as absolutely no effort has been made to remove any of these trees which are now leaning over in all directions. The root system of these tees have rotted away by more than 50 per cent, causing an even greater risk to our complex,” Mouton said.
“Large branches are also falling from the tree tops, causing further danger to pedestrians and passing traffic. The electric fence on our perimeter wall was damaged by a falling branch last year and had to be repaired at our cost.
“This hazardous situation has now reached the stage where immediate intervention is required. We have been told over the past few years there is no money or budget allocated to resolve this problem, which is unacceptable. Are we seriously expected to wait until one of our homes is demolished by these dangerous trees before anything will be done by the council?” he asked.
After this incident the metro’s parks department has advertised for a contractor to remove three of the trees that pose a danger to Pamula Park. These trees will be removed shortly, a metro spokesman said.
“These trees have historical value as they were planted by Cecil John Rhodes. Numerous residents living off Mirabel Road do not wish to have these trees removed,” he said.
“Mouton’s concerns are noted and the trees will be inspected for maintenance.”
Ward councillor André du Plessis commended the park’s department for its quick response after the latest incident. “They responded in double quick time to have the tree cut up and removed.”
Du Plessis said he referred residents’ request to have the trees removed to the offices of the parks department previously, without any definite answers.
“When this same matter was addressed a few years ago, some of the problematic trees were removed and a number of indigenous trees planted, with an undertaking by surrounding residents to water and maintain these newly planted trees. However some of these trees died due to lack of maintenance,” Du Plessis said.
“I will arrange a site meeting with the parks department to ascertain if any other trees are a threat to the safety of residents and their property and ensure that any problematic trees are removed.”
