Davison calls on community to help protect Rietvlei
Amanda Davison, councillor for Ward 15, said it has come to her attention in the last month that the trees are being destroyed.
News from the woods has surfaced that trees in the protected Rietvlei wetlands are in danger of unlawful lumber-jacking.
Amanda Davison, councillor for Ward 15, said it has come to her attention in the last month that the trees are being destroyed.
“Not just by fire, but they are illegally being cut to be sold as fire wood. The culprits are carrying out the logs and branches and bakkie loads of wood are being removed every week.
“The EMPD has been informed and residents are keeping an eye on the situation. We will continue to observe and investigate the situation together with EMPD, real estate and parks departments.”
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The Rietvlei open space on Soutpansberg Drive, Van Riebeeck Park, is a protected wetland.
“I received complaints from the community and one resident told me that they caught two separate groups of people cutting down the trees in the Soutpansberg forest area. They say they are only cutting dead trees but live trees are disappearing on a daily basis.
“The first phase of the beautification project was completed and the second phase will commence in the next couple of months. This will be a community park where residents can relax, go for a stroll and enjoy nature and the various different bird species, including owls,” Davison said.
“This is our wetlands, trees, birds and natural resources that we as a community must protect at all costs.”
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