Booysens residents want tree removed but illegal connections hamper process

RESIDENTS of Booysens informal settlement were pleased to see councillor Mongameli Mnyameni accompanied by City Park’s regional manager Ipeleng Dube after residents logged multiple complaints to the councillor regarding two loose tree branches.

Not so long ago COURIER published a story headlined Loose tree branches pose concerns to residents where residents feared that heavy rains will cause the branches to collapse and some residents may get hurt.

“This really needs to be removed because our people can’t live with a tree hanging loose on top of their heads. I hope City Parks will do something about this,” said Mnyameni. Ipeleng Dube said they will need to come up with a conducive plan because the tree is situated right in the middle of the settlement which will make it difficult for their trucks to get through the narrow area.

For the tree to be removed, residents will also have to get rid of their illegal electrical connections and shift a few shacks to make way.

One resident said they can’t move their shacks because it will be costly for them to reconstruct their shacks.

Mnyameni said the illegal connections are a challenge that needs to be resolved because residents don’t want to dismantle their connections. “If these connections aren’t removed it will be difficult for residents to get the tree removed. I hope this problem will come to an end soon. I will never support illegal connections. Residents must remove the connections because it’s not legal and against the law.

“I have spoken to residents on several occasions regarding the matter but they won’t remove their connections and these connections might affect children around the settlement,” said Mnyameni.

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