GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Upset residents of Graaff-Reinet contacted the Advertiser last week Thursday when the tree in front of Standard Bank in town, was cut back to such an extent that the tree is now a mere shadow of its former self.
Eira Maasdorp wrote the following: "The municipality is responsible to trim trees, not destroy a beautiful tree in full flower. Why don't you chop down dead trees instead of ruining our town's beauty?" She says many of the dead treas pose a massive risk to life and property should they topple over.
Councillor Ricardo Smith says he has often asked that the municipality cut down the dead trees in town, and that it is sad that healthy trees are being targeted.
According to Dr Beyers Naude Director of Community Services, Gewnynne Hermanus, the municipality received many complaints from surrounding businesses about red berries or seeds falling from the tree, insisting that the municipality make a plan.
He also mentioned that trees have to be trimmed when touching power lines to prevent fires and power outages, especially when a tree is struck by lightning.
Hermanus asked that if a tree committee still exists in town, that a representative of the committee contacts him.
'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'
