Aliens in Cradock Heights are a fire hazard

We are all aware of the negative impact of alien trees on the environment, especially with regard to their effect on water supply. It was therefore good to read in an article in Grocott’s in September that the Area Manager of East Gamtoos Irrigation Board has been busy with the removal of alien trees in and around Grahamstown.

It was however, a great pity that he homed in on the heronry, but I hope those trees have indeed been spared, as per the follow up comments which were provided in Grocott’s.

I wish to appeal to Mr Knight and his team to take a close look at the alien trees flourishing behind Settler's Hospital.

There was some effort during the winter to remove some of the saplings and bush surrounding that large stand of eucalyptus trees. However, I find it of great concern that the brushwood and prunings appear to have been left in situ and are now bone dry and posing a not inconsiderable fire hazard, should we have another dry season with the ever-present danger of veld fires. With all that kindling left lying around, those huge gum trees if set alight could cause a great conflagration in the neighbourhood.

There are also a number of vacant stands in Cradock Heights which are becoming congested with black wattle and similar proscribed alien species. The unchecked proliferation of these trees is going to result in this area of town becoming as overgrown with undesirable vegetation as areas on the other side of town, along the road leading to East London. Please could Mr King and his team be alerted to all the potential for his efforts in this area?

Presumably these plots have owners? Perhaps the authorities should be taking firmer action in this regard?

Jean Kelly