Calls for metro to remove damaging tree after four years with no action

For more than four years, a Wonderboom South resident has been pleading with the metro to remove a tree that has caused extensive damage to her property and vehicles.

Despite repeated calls, reference numbers, and empty assurances from the municipality, the dangerous tree remains untouched, leaving the family frustrated and concerned for their safety.

Melissa Rootman, who lives with her family, said the ordeal began when the roots of the tree started pushing up the pavement and damaging their driveway.

“We first noticed the tree causing damage when the surface of the tar road and our driveway began to warp.

“This has led to two of our vehicles leaking oil because of the uneven and broken pavement,” explained Rootman.

According to Rootman, her sister has been at the forefront of reporting the matter, consistently following up with the municipality.

Over the years, they have logged multiple complaints; however, despite the paper trail, the family says they have seen no meaningful progress.

“We have received empty assurances from the municipality but no substantive action has been taken.

“It feels as though our concerns are being continually overlooked.”

The damage caused by the tree is not only financial, but also poses a safety risk.

The raised pavement has made vehicle access to their property precarious and, according to Rootman, creates a hazard for other motorists and pedestrians.

“Yes, the rising surface of the pavement poses a risk for access to our property in a vehicle, and could also result in potential accidents for other road users,” she warned.

Although the family has not specified the exact costs they have incurred, Rootman admitted that the ongoing deterioration has forced them to deal with recurring issues.

She said this has significantly impacted their quality of life and peace of mind.

The Rootman family believes their case reflects a broader problem with service delivery in the area.

“This ongoing issue reflects a larger problem with service delivery in our area, indicating a lack of responsiveness to residents’ concerns,” she said.

After four years of waiting, the family is no longer asking for promises but demanding urgent intervention.

“We hope for immediate action regarding the removal of the damaging tree and necessary repairs to our driveway and property.

“If the municipality continues to delay, we may need to explore formal channels to file a property damage claim and consider further escalation of the matter,” she said.

She pleaded with the municipality to acknowledge the severity of this situation and take immediate action to resolve the issue affecting their property and vehicles.

Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said queries are attended to as and when the focus of operations is in that ward, according to resources available.

“There are over 1 000 service requests registered and they are attended to daily, including Saturdays. We currently do not have service requests over four years old.

“Tree complaints are categorised according to the highest risk and attended to accordingly,” said Mashigo.

Mashigo said the process starts with inspection and categorisation, then a team is dispatched.

“There are currently two teams serving the Region’s 24 wards. The teams focus on the removal of trees that block the streets, dead trees, dangerous routes, trees affecting power and general tree maintenance.

“Time frames cannot be provided due to the daily evaluation work, which determines the categorisation of requests.”

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