Charles Munsamy of Tongaat writes:

I hope the developers of the Tongaat Mall and those involved in the widening of Gopalall Hurbans Road can be persuaded, in the interest of the environment, to save the fever trees in front of Patakh Centre and flamboyant trees in front of JV Mansions and Silver Oaks that line the entire Gopalall Hurbans Road.

The four fever trees were planted by residents of Patakh Centre in about 1998. Both the fever and flamboyant trees add to the aesthetics of an otherwise filthy and squalid Tongaat CBD.

The fever trees attract African masked weavers by the thousands in spring where they build their nests. They migrate to Botswana in April-May and have been returning to these trees for more than 20 years. Its going to be depressing for them to return and find a concrete jungle.

Currently there are a few nests (about 50) of birds other than masked weavers.

At Higginson Highway in Chatsworth the south-bound lane is lined with blue gums that stood the test of time, some as close as a metre from the kerb. They were saved during road construction at the time. It is common knowledge that the blue gums were there prior to the construction of Higginson Highway.

I believe a revisit of the decision to remove the trees would be justified in the light of the above.

Thongathi Mall owner, Emarie Botha, responds:

oThongathi Mall is scheduled to open its doors at the end of 2022. In preparation for the opening, the eThekweni Traffic Department requires major roadworks around the development to be completed.

The roadworks and upgrades along the R102 will be from Coronation Road to Ganie Street, and will also entail the length of Wadd Place to the west of the R102.

It will also include the widening of the R102 Gopalall Hurbans Road in the oThongathi CBD.

The completed upgrade of the R102 will comprise a four-lane dual-carriageway cross-section with two lanes northbound, two lanes southbound, and a two-metre median.

The final completed upgrade of Wadd Place will comprise a four-lane cross-section (with two lanes in each direction), plus additional localised widening at the R102 intersection.

A new set of traffic signals will be constructed at the R102/Wadd Place/Henrietta Road intersection.

The roadworks will necessitate the relocation of existing underground services such as electrical, water, communication cables and the like.

The trees on the western side of Gopallal Road (northbound lane) are all alien trees which are situated within the road reserve.

The three fever trees on the eastern side (southbound lane) are within the road reserve and are unfortunately situated right on the planned curb of the road. For this reason, these trees would also need to be removed.

The new 18 000 m2 retail development is expected to boost the economy and create job opportunities for residents in the north.

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