In a quiet corner of Parklands, a disturbing trend has emerged: the systematic butchering of trees along Redcliffe Road, leaving residents and environmentalists deeply unsettled.
Despite efforts to preserve the greenery that adds charm to the neighbourhood, the relentless use of pangas to hack away at these trees has sparked outrage and concern among locals.
As the community grapples with this alarming issue, questions loom large about the motivations behind such destructive acts and what measures can be taken to safeguard the Parklands greenery.
Wilma van Dyk, one of the concerned residents, says she contacted the centre’s management only to be told they were not responsible.
“They told me via email it’s not them, it must be the City of Cape Town. These trees in Redcliffe Road, Parklands, are being butchered with a panga on a regular basis. For what? Just to look at a long black painted wall,” Van Dyk says.
Urma Wilkinson says she noticed the chopped trees in the neighbourhood about two weeks ago.
“While driving, I saw this utterly disturbing image of the chopped trees. No tree should be trimmed like that. Whoever is responsible should be ashamed,” she says.
Other residents took their concerns to social media, reaching out to other areas to enquire if something similar happened.
Illegally cut
When TygerBurger approached the City for comment, the City’s recreation and parks department said the trees were illegally cut by an unauthorised person and no service request was received by the department for this location.
“A City authorised contractor does not utilise a panga knife to trim or cut trees as it is not best horticultural practice,” says Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community services and health.
The department said they will conduct an investigation on the matter and act in accordance with the City’s policies on recovering damages to City property.
“Residents are cautioned against the removal of trees and to immediately report all tree incidents on City land in order for corrective action to be taken. If the damage/removal has already taken place, please log a service request at 0860 103 089,” Van der Ross says.
If you see someone in the act of damaging a tree, please report it to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cell phone or 107 from a landline.
