Faizel Patel – 08/07/2020
Johannesburg City Parks says there has been a surge in the removal of street trees during the COVID-19 lockdown and appealing to residents to stop the illegal removal and felling of trees.
City Parks says it has been inundated with requests to remove trees during the seasonal phenomenon of falling leaves during this time of year.
It says street trees are the property of the City of Johannesburg and are protected by the strict Open Space Bylaws which prohibits the removal or disturbance of trees or planting of any vegetation without approval.
“These bylaws state that ‘no person may damage any tree on any public road within the municipal area of the Council without the prior written permission from the Council, only JCPZ is authorised to remove, maintain and prune street trees.”
City Park says the abundance of indigenous trees plays a vital role in combating and reducing the effects of climate change as they not only absorb air pollutants, provide clean oxygen but also promotes a sense of tranquility and beauty in residential areas and metropolitans.
City Parks says that failing to comply with bylaws will result in legal action and fines being imposed.
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