At least 60 trees were planted in Ward 89 at specified locations where deep water sources that find their way to the surface have been creating problems for the residents.
This pilot project which formed part of the Arbor Month celebrations saw the City of Johannesburg Region C and City Parks and Zoo officials descend on Fairland to mark this important occasion.
In South Africa, Arbor Day is usually observed in September during spring to promote planting trees or keeping the environment green.
Region C Regional Director, Mlamleli Belot’s address touched on the importance of celebrating this cause.
“National Arbor Week is an opportune time to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management,” he said.
He added that this cause affords government, private sector, non-governmental community-based organisations and the public to be involved in greening their communities.
An ecstatic Ward 89 councillor Amelia Bester, who also got her hands dirty by assisting in planting a tree or two on Wednesday, 16 September, expressed her excitement about seeing this project come to life.
“I’m terribly excited about the 60 white stinkwood trees donated to my ward. Planting trees was our own initiative after the results of the underground water study were presented at a public meeting last year. The scientists and the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department supported the notion that trees could alleviate the pressure of rising underground water,” she said.
Fifty of the trees were planted at the Kessel Street and Oribi Street parks in Fairland and Constantia Kloof respectively.
Amelia, who thanked Andre Laubscher for his dedication to obtaining wayleaves and procuring the trees, also cited that this growing problem across the city illustrates the importance of incorporating, protecting and maintaining green spaces in development planning.
