In a turn of events that has ruffled feathers in more ways than one, former Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Retief Odendaal alleged that a contractor was recently appointed to cut down an old fig tree following a series of complaints from both the public and municipal officials.
The complaints centred on a family of egrets that had taken up residence in the tree, causing a nuisance to the local community.
The egrets, which had previously roosted in trees on Baird Street, relocated to the 100-year-old fig after their former habitat was destroyed owing to tree- felling in that area. This migration led to the birds settling in the fig tree, much to the dismay of nearby residents and officials who were unhappy with the disruption.
“Councillor Roelf Basson and I made some enquires and managed to get some more information. A contractor was recently appointed to cut down the tree. When we spoke to Parks they had no knowledge of the request to remove the tree and confirmed that another department in the Municipality appointed the contractor. They did indicate, however, that the contractor did not have the necessary permits in place and as such was actually not allowed to destroy the tree,” Odendaal wrote on his social media pages.
“The contractor will not proceed any further and the Parks Department has indicated that they will monitor the tree so that it can hopefully grow back to its former glory – something which is unlikely to happen in our lifetime. We are, however, happy that it will be around for another couple of decades,” he continued.
One person commented, “I was born in Kariega, lived there for 46 years… today I popped in from PE, and it’s a damn shame what this once beautiful town looks like now. On the odd occasion I go to Kariega and it’s really sad to see how this town is deteriorating at a rapid pace. In my opinion Kariega has become the forgotten redhead step child.”
While another local felt the tree’s age and placement should have been considered before the attempted destruction, “I strongly believe that the tree should not have been cut considering the town hall is a registered Heritage site. Being 100 years old, it should have received proper consideration.”
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality spokesperson, Mamela Ndamase, was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to print on Tuesday.
