Growing frustration over the maintenance of municipal verges and pavements has reached boiling point in Strand, with residents claiming that overgrown vegetation is now a significant threat to public safety.
Concerns have been centered on verges Fagan, Kerk, De Vos and Sarel Cilliers streets. In these areas, residents report that trees and shrubs have reclaimed the pavements, forcing pedestrians including children and the elderly to walk in the path of oncoming traffic (“City mum on neglect of trees“, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 13 May).
Despite the loud community outcry, the City of Cape Town has stated that no formal complaints have been recorded for these specific locations prior to recent enquiries.
Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee member for Community Services and Health, said: “No service requests have been logged for overgrown trees and shrubs at the mentioned streets. The recreation and parks department acknowledges the concerns raised and will conduct a full inspection of the specified areas to determine the extent to which it is deemed as being overgrown.”
The City admitted that the maintenance of Strand’s tree-rich environment is a complex task. High-risk trees on main roads and arterials are prioritised, particularly those infected with the Polyphagous Shothole Borer (PSHB).
While the City maintains trees on residential pavements as and when required within budget availability, the department relies heavily on the public to act as their eyes and ears.
“The department relies on residents to log service requests so that work can be assessed and prioritised accordingly,” Higham noted, adding that while the Strand area’s large tree-asset base places a significant demand on the budget, efforts are being made to ensure efficient service delivery.
Residents looking for an immediate trim may have to wait a few more weeks. Once the conditional assessments of the trees in Fagan, Kerk, De Vos and Sarel Cilliers streets are concluded, a work programme will be scheduled.
With the City’s financial year ending in June, Higham indicated that the anticipated clearing will most likely be scheduled for the new financial year, which starts on 1 July.
The City urged residents not to rely on social media or word-of-mouth for municipal issues, but rather log service requests online at www.capetown.gov.za.
