DEAR Editor;
I would like to express my deep sadness and outrage at the sudden and apparently senseless felling of the big tree on the corner opposite Tweni Spar. This tree provided oxygen, soil stability, humidity and wildlife habitat for hundreds of years.
In the last few decades, it has also functioned as an important human community space, providing local residents and shopping centre staff with a comfortable, safe meeting place. It provided free shelter, shade and even seating for many people every day.
According to the tree fellers, the municipality has allowed this action to avoid potential damage to the adjacent (private) property fence.
Considering the cash value of a tree this large (according to www.treeplantation.com, over USD13,000), over and above its community value, surely it would make more sense for the municipality to reinforce the fence than to remove the tree?
I appeal to the municipality to engage in more public participation, particularly regarding the management of communal spaces such as these, for the health, well-being and safety of all.
HELEN DODGE
Umtentweni
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