VRYHEID KZN: A ‘canopy of strength’ connects the streets in town

When one has to think back in history, trees have filled the world with wonder and sparked many people’s imaginations. Writers, philosophers and even the odd politician have found inspiration in the branches and leaves of trees around them. Trees are good for the soul and they inspire people. They are essential since they provide oxygen. They are an example of strength and they provide shelter to nature. Vryheid is one of the few towns that have trees that are almost as ancient as time. Most streets in Vryheid are covered and connected by these majestic tall-standing ‘pillars of strength’. Unfortunately, forces of nature in the form of termites attack these trees. Councillor Magda Viktor, who is also the chairperson of the Tree Committee, confirmed that they have requested the municipality on numerous occasions for termite poison and chainsaws to contain this deadly bug and prevent it from killing the trees. But to date, they have not received the required equipment from the municipality to treat and trim the trees. Cllr Viktor says: “Trees are life. They provide us with oxygen. AbaQulusi has won the ‘Greenest Rural Municipality’ award from the National Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries (DEFF). This is something to be proud of and we were awarded with R800,000. And then you get some residents who just want to cut down the trees and this is illegal, as much as it is illegal to take out patches of grass from parks.” She furthermore warns residents that it is dangerous to cut the trees that are hanging over power lines, since these lines are ‘live’ and can result in someone’s death. She appeals to residents to take responsibility for their own surroundings by cutting the grass on the pavement if possible and to keep residential areas clean. Anyone who needs assistance regarding the trees can contact Cllr Magda Viktor, Harry Heyns or André van der Walt.

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