THE Umgeni Estuary Conservancy has cautioned residents and individuals from cutting vegetation along the banks of the uMngeni River.

In recent years, there have been cases where trees were cut down on the Riverside Road side in order to clear a path for a ‘river view’.

This comes after the conservancy discovered various plants being cut back as well as chromolaena plants.

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The section of riverine vegetation along the busy road had been targeted in 2021 and 2023 with private contractors being paid to remove trees and bush.

According to Rosemary Harrison, a member of the conservancy, many of the trees planted along the river banks on Riverside Road were there for a specific reason, to help stop water from flowing over and flooding the road.

Harrison explained that despite the chromolaena plants being alien invasive species, dwarf chameleons are found resting in them.

“Unfortunately, the dwarf chameleons like to roost on the Chromoleana, which is an Invasive Alien species. It is like being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Save a Red Data species and one that suffers from illegal trade or take out invasive species. Our call though is not only to residents but to individuals as well not to cut down any trees or vegetation on the river bank. The conservancy caretakes it and looks after the area,” Harrison said.

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