Giant fig tree succumbs to development

MBOMBELA – It was a sad day for a few local “greenies” when a giant fig tree was removed to make way for the expansion of the Crossing Shopping Centre last month. However, the developers ensured Lowvelder that all proceedings were in line with requirements set out by the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Dedet).

Watch the video of Crossing Centre’s expansion here.

According to an environmental consultant, who wished to remain anonymous for professional reasons, although they were indigenous, fig trees were not a protected plant species.

“They grow fast, especially when they are planted near water. If the developers plant one tree today in 10 years’ time it will be as big as the one which was cut down.”

According to Mr Steven Henwood of Henwood Environmental Solutions (Hes), who had been assigned to do Crossing Centre’s environmental impact assessment (EIA), the developers had entered into an agreement that they would rehabilitate the areas which might have been affected by the project.

“Lowveld Trust, who are the developers of the centre, have gone to great lengths to keep the project as environment-friendly as possible,” said Henwood.

“They are actually looking to increase the biodiversity of the area. They removed all the alien plant species in the wetlands in front of the centre and are planning to install water-catchment structures. As for the baobab tree near the centre’s current entrance, experts have been approached to help with its relocation.”

The developers had to submit a monthly audit to the Dedet to ensure that the development adhered to the strict regulations set out in the environmental authorisation application. Lowvelder is in possession of the project’s EIA as well as the environmental authorisation issued by Dedet, which states that the developers must rehabilitate any erosion inflicted on the wetlands in front of Crossing Centre.

“In short, there is a plan to landscape and revegetate all disturbed areas where appropriate,” Henwood said. Where large trees have had to be removed these will be replaced by appropriate endemic, indigenous species. All wetland areas will be constantly monitored, alien plants removed and indigenous, endemic plants augmented. We are working according to the guidelines as stipulated in the wetland rehabilitation and management programme as drafted for this particular centre.”

Henwood said the rehabilitation was currently in process and would continue until the Crossing extension had been opened, the wetland banks had been stabilised and the suggested grass species planted.

The mongoose colony, which has been residing in the koppie for many years, has also been a great concern to locals. Employees of Canon have considered themselves custodians of the small animals and have expressed immense concern for their survival.

“There used to be between 40 and 50 individuals in the colony which we saw daily. We hardly see them at all now. The most we saw in the last month was 15,” Ms Anandi de Meyer said.

“We have also put food out for them in the past which they devoured. Last week, they did not come out at all. We think the bulldozers scare them too much.”

Although the noise and racket might scare these creatures, their habitat has not been completely destroyed. The small hill on which they live, will be preserved since it is also a heritage site. According to members of the Lowveld Heritage club, the hill was used as a lookout point for English soldiers in 1900. In the environmental management authorisation, it clearly states that development cannot take place at a historical site.

“We have already laid the base of the development,” Henwood said. “We will not exceed that limit and build into the hill.”