Tshwane sets tree agenda for urban spaces

Tshwane is anticipating higher temperatures in the near future thus impelling it to go green.

The plan to plant more greenery comes against the backdrop of Tshwane announcing plans to lease the Rooiwal and Pretoria West power stations to private companies. This will in turn bring more developments and kick-start fresh economic activity at manufacturing plants in areas such as Rosslyn or Silverton.

Tshwane’s greening plan was announced by Mayor Cilliers Brink recently after the council approved a 40-year lease of the power stations to generate 1 000MW of energy and reduce the city’s dependence on Eskom.

It is preferred that power stations use alternative energy sources such as solar power or gas.

“It should be noted that one of the spin-offs of these energy interventions is the anticipated expansion of infrastructure development and the manufacturing industry around Tshwane in the special economic zone as well as the Rosslyn industrial hubs.

“Such developments, if not properly managed, may lead to increased urban heat island effect, loss of trees and vegetation, as well as threaten our biodiversity.”

Brink said in the next three months, Tshwane would announce a massive tree-planting campaign, which would present ecosystem benefits that include reducing heat stress.

He said the campaign would further improve air and water quality and reduce flooding.

“This will create meaningful green jobs targeting mostly young people in Tshwane.”

He said the intervention to halt global warming aligned with the C40 world mayor’s plans to address climate change.

Ward 47 councillor Daryl Johnston said this month, his ward together with private companies planted a tree as part of Arbor Week and paid additional attention to the Elarduspark environment.

Johnston said the tree was planted at Gabbro Street Park, where community members further beautified the park by painting its infrastructure.

“We only planted the one well-established False Olive tree which had been kindly donated by a resident.

“Unfortunately due to the illegal strike, we were unable to obtain additional trees which were available at the Tshwane’s nursery but weren’t accessible.

“We were honoured to have Mayor Cilliers Brink join us. He rolled up his sleeves in typical style and was involved in all of the activities. We had approximately 40 people assist us in the initiative.”

Johnston said parks in ward 47 were not neglected but the more attractive they became, the more they would be used.

He said another such event was planned for October 7 in ward 47 ahead of the mayor’s massive plan to plant more trees in Tshwane.

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