Tree is ‘tragedy waiting to happen’
“CUT down the tree before something tragic happens.”
That was the strong opinion of Problem Mkhize (Cowey) Road resident Jennifer Garvie, who says a tree outside her property could pose a safety hazard if it falls.
Garvie said she had not removed it herself because she did not want to be fined by the city. The fine for illegal treefelling is R300.
She told City Watch that her complaint had originally been sent to the city in October 2013, but it and subsequent e-mails had not been answered.
However, after persistent phone calls and e-mails, the city had told her they would not be chopping down the tree.
Problem Mkhize is known for its lush trees outside almost every property in the road, but Garvie wants it out.
“When the officials reply to my e-mails, they refer me to people in other departments, who are often not available. When there are strong winds, the tree leans against my property, which could have serious consequences if it falls. I feel unsafe when this happens and I am in a constant panic, as I have a four-year-old grandson at home.
“Another concern is that there are electrical cables running through the trees. My family runs the risk of being electrocuted,” she said.
According to Garvie, a worker maintaining the pavement told her the tree was healthy, but she insists it is not.
The city had not told her about who was to take responsibility if an incident occurred.
The city had not provided us with comment at the time of going to press. We will follow up on the matter next week.
AVACANT municipal property occupied by vagrants and copper thieves has allegedly cost businesses in Pinetown millions of rand in damages.
Owners at Greathead Lane told City Watch they have tried for seven years to reach an agreement with the city, but officials kept “passing the buck”.
Crime in the area has escalated in recent years with the vagrants targeting businesses for copper, illegal electrical connections and dumping.
Businessman Andre Kitching said no city official had visited the site. He said he and other owners were constantly sending correspondence but “no effort by the city has been made”.
“It is frustrating the city has disregarded us. The area has become a hazard and criminal elements are greater now than before. How long are we going to reach out to the city and not get any response?”
Kitching, as a last resort, this week wrote to eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo to highlight the concerns people faced.
According to Kitching, the theft of electricity often left their businesses in the dark for more than a week.
“Over the years we have spent over R1 million to fix the damages and keep the criminals out of our properties. This has severe implications for our businesses and should not be taken lightly.
“The mayor, or a representative, needs to visit the site and see for themselves what is taking place.
“By working with residents we can help solve this problem. It is time there is less talk and more action.”
The chairman of the Oakhead property, Anne Spencer, 82, said the land was once used as an office for the electricity department before relocating to the CBD. She said there were around 20 men who occupied the property.
“They invade our homes as if they are entitled to it. They have stolen the copper from airconditioners and taps. They tamper with our water and electricity boxes. While they are having fun doing as they please, we are the ones who are facing the consequences. There are many pensioners living in the area making them vulnerable targets to crime.
Illicit activities
“Our only plea is for the municipality to take responsibility and get the matter resolved. It is high time that they took action,” she said.
The general manager of the Premier Hotel, Ettalize Maclean, said guests often cancelled or checked out of the hotel owing to the illicit activities on the vacant property.
“We are opposite the property and the appalling conditions have made our guests feel unsafe. We have tried to adopt the land for years.
“Apparently, there is a process that needs to be fol- lowed although there has not been feedback from them regarding our application.
“Our hotel does regular clean-ups on the site so our guests are not exposed to the ghastly sight, but it is not our responsibility to clean up the area. The property belongs to the city, yet they are apathetic about what happens to it.”
Maclean said the hotel was receiving bad reviews online because of the state of the vacant property.
Dines Galtrey, a businessman on Kings Road, said he had hired 24-hour security and put up extra fencing.
Pepu Lusindiso, who is an employee of a construction company, said the company was the victim of copper theft but the police were of no help when it had been reported.
He said the thieves went as far as stealing wires on the gate control.
Ward 18 councillor Bruce Sutcliffe said he would be investigating the matter and asked City Watch to call him on Thursday for feedback. However attempts to reach him thereafter proved unsuccessful.
The city had not provided comment this week. City Watch will follow up next week.