Council urges residents to protect trees

The Govan Mbeki Municipality has called on residents to protect all trees in open spaces and on the sidewalks. Mr Bheki Kubheka, senior manager in the office of the municipal manager, said the municipality is facing the challenge of people removing, cutting down and damaging pruning trees.

He said Council has a dedicated team for pruning trees and requests for pruning are placed on a schedule according to the equipment required.

“Trees are the world’s largest source of breathable oxygen.

“Planting and protecting trees are one of the most cost effective ways of reducing out footprints on our planet.

“Trees are the largest living species, some species grow tall and may weight 600t, if they are given a space to live.

“They are a lasting legacy and play a vital role in rural and urban population.

“They enrich and anchor soil, recharge groundwater, provide shade and shelter and beautify our towns.”

Govan Mbeki Municipal by-laws regarding removing, cutting down, pruning or damaging of trees

In terms of the Parks and Open Spaces By-Law 2014, Chapter 5, under Damage:

1. B) No person shall cut, remove, dig up, fell, burn, pluck, break, climb up, or cause damage to timber any tree, shrub, brushwood, fencing post, pole, fern, turf, grass, fruit, flower or plant;

In terms of the Park and Open Space By-law 2014, Chapter 15, under Penalties:

1. A person contravening a provision of this by-law shall be found guilty of an offence and be punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to a fine, or both such fine and imprisonment for each such offence, or both such fine and imprisonment.

2. In addition to the fines mentioned in subsection (1), a person convicted of a contravention of this by-law must compensate the municipality for any loss or damage it may have incurred as a result of the contravention.

The municipality may institute a claim in the appropriate court for the amount of such loss or damage.

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