Concerns raised over tree cutting at Umkomaas Cemetery
Work at the site is believed to have been started by eThekwini Municipality in June, as part of a maintenance project.
Umkomaas residents are eagerly waiting to hear the final verdict regarding the cutting of trees at the Umkomaas Cemetery.
For several weeks, a group of locals have been calling for the immediate suspension of tree cutting at the cemetery. Work at the site is believed to have been started by eThekwini Municipality in June, as part of a maintenance project.
Several residents are unhappy with some of the work carried out and stated that trees have been unnecessarily cut.
“If this practise is not addressed, it will result in the destruction of the trees, which is not only environmentally damaging, but also threatens the long-term health of the remaining vegetation,” said one local.
After the Herald conducted site visits, it was evident that a number of trees were cut, as logs and debris were lying around. Some graves were inaccessible because of overgrowth and numerous tombstones are damaged and or tilting. It was evident that small animals have made some of these trees their homes as they were spotted at the site.
The group of residents are also concerned about groundwater in the cemetery and what would happen to the graves if the area becomes waterlogged.
“Taking the groundwater situation into account, this is more of a reason as to why the trees are vital for absorbing excess water and stabilising the soil from eroding,” said another local.
After receiving complaints from residents, eThekwini is believed to have brought in a horticulturist. Maintenance work was halted, but resumed a few days later with more tree cutting.
A skip was brought in to collect the debris, and after a more recent visit, it was still present at the site.
The Herald was also informed that a TLB was brought in recently to remove a small tree trunk. In the process, a water pipe was struck resulting in water loss and more damage to the grounds.
DA councillor Thabani Ndlovu visited the site with the Herald last Saturday, and was able to provide some insight on the matter.
He added he has been in communication with the concerned group of residents who are passionate about saving the trees and preventing environmental damage.
“I have also communicated with eThekwini Municipality Cemeteries Department responsible for this current maintenance project. The clean up and tree cutting operation was initiated in response to requests from other local residents – of which many have expressed satisfaction with the work carried out.”
“The maintenance team brought in a horticulturist who identified several trees as old and classified them as dead. These are being removed and the department mentioned that it would plant new trees along the fence once the clean up is complete. I have listened to both parties and it is now up to the ombudsman to pass the final verdict as to whether work must stop or not.”
eThekwini Municipality was contacted to provide further clarity on this matter, however, no feedback was received at the time of going to press.
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