Johannesburg is one of the most vibrant cities around the world. It continues to be one of the leading tourists attractions in Africa.
The City of Gold also has a dynamic urban landscape, a rich and diverse culture, and an amazing vibe.
According to the Municipalities of South Africa website, the city is ‘home to almost five million people, accounting for about 36% of Gauteng's population and 8% of the national population.'
The streets are lively with many entertainment venues, infrastructural developments, and residential areas.
Because of the millions of people who reside in the city and many who come to visit, the city has been engaged in multiple initiatives to ensure its continued attractiveness.
One initiative is planting trees across the streets of Johannesburg to ensure the city has clean air and remains cool.
The Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has urged residents to preserve the trees.
Unfortunately, in recent months, the JCPZ has noted great concern about a high number of unauthorised tree removals by residents.
This is reportedly due to the change in weather conditions. Leaves from trees are falling into properties, gutters, and swimming pools and many residents have taken matters into their own hands by cutting down trees instead of reporting to JCPZ.
Cutting down street trees without informing JCPZ is a crime, and City Parks has warned that it will issue fines for lawbreakers.
'Street trees are the property of the City of Johannesburg and are protected by the strict Open Space Bylaws which prohibits the removal or disturbance of trees or planting of any vegetation without approval, of which permission must be obtained from JCPZ.
'These bylaws state that ‘no person may damage any tree on any public road within the municipal area of the Council without the prior written permission from the Council. JCPZ is mandated to prune, and remove infected or dead trees,' states JCPZ website.
JCPZ has asked residents to 'contact Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555 or joburgconnect@joburg.org.za if street trees are damaging boundary walls, obstructing visibility for road users, or if trees are dead.'
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