The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department took swift action following the illegal felling of trees in the Klaasenbosch Greenbelt. Cape {town} Etc reports.
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A landowner unlawfully removed several exotic trees within the greenbelt, causing significant damage to the indigenous scrub forest. As a result, City Law Enforcement has fined the offender and the Departmental Compliance Unit is recovering reinstatement costs of approximately R70 000 to ensure accountability.
The City has appointed a contractor to manage the clean-up and clearing of the affected area.
This process includes the careful removal of damaged trees, shrubs and invasive plant species to minimise further impact on the indigenous scrub forest and undergrowth.
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Large trunk sections will be broken into manageable pieces to avoid further damage, and access will be gained via current routes to reduce environmental disruption.
The City will closely supervise the contractor’s operations to prevent further damage to susceptible vegetation.
Once this initial phase is completed, the Recreation and Parks Department will take up restoration and rehabilitation work.
‘We are pleased that swift action has been taken and that the offender has been held accountable. However, we remain committed to ensuring that the clean-up process is executed sensitively to protect the ecological integrity of the greenbelt.’
‘Concerns regarding public safety and the management of the clean-up operation are being taken seriously. The protection of our green spaces is a priority and we trust this serves as a deterrent to future violations,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross.
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The Department also thanks the Friends of the Constantia Valley Greenbelt for their collaboration and commitment to the preservation of this important green space.
Community participation and involvement have been critical in tackling these concerns and maintaining the Klaasenbosch Greenbelt’s long-term viability.
Information signs on the clean-up and rehabilitation of the damaged trees has been posted in the area to alert residents and greenbelt users to the impending work.
The City remains committed to protecting public open spaces and will continue to work to repair the Klaasenbosch Greenbelt, restoring it to its original state. We truly appreciate the community’s cooperation as we move forward with this vital project.
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Picture: City of Cape Town
