GEORGE NEWS - The dense hedge growing on the bank of the Touw River along Waterside Road has become a thorny issue with locals complaining that the required maintenance is sorely lacking.
Long-term resident, Lesley Goetsch says the road used to be a scenic route because the river was always visible from the road, but this changed due to a noticeable decline in upkeep over the past few years. "The hedge is allowed to grow taller and taller, it is smothering the milkwoods and also inhibiting birds from nesting," she says.
Some Waterside Road residents have taken matters into their own hands. Sections where the hedge is encroaching on the pedestrian path are trimmed and in some places residents have cut it back considerably, replacing the bush with small gardens, which seem to have been established quite some time ago.
A large section of the hedge was recently removed by an unknown resident, which led to a backlash from an environmentally conscious resident who reported it to SANParks.
Faan van der Merwe, who lives on Waterside Road, says he recently approached Wilderness Park management to offer residents' help with maintenance, but he was forbidden from doing anything.
"The boardwalk is currently closed because of its dilapidated state, but I go there from time to time to remove litter from the river. The other day I brought out three black bags full of junk. If I didn't do it, I don't know what it will look like because nobody else does it."
Residents complain that milkwood trees are being strangled by other vegetation.
Another resident, Mariëtta Donnelly, complains about vagrants hiding in the thicket around a milkwood tree near where they live. "They sit there to pick through the rubbish bags that they remove from our street on refuse days. This is a security and environmental risk. The milkwood is being strangled by the bushes and the pedestrian path opposite our home is getting narrower. It is located on a dangerous bend in the road where cars often come past at high speed. It is very unsafe for pedestrians. The authorities cannot ignore it."
Garden Route National Park communications manager, Phokela Lebea, says the area in question is erf 1094, a public road reserve that has not been declared part of the national park. It falls under the jurisdiction of George Municipality and maintenance along the walkway is the municipality's responsibility.
Any vegetation trimming must be undertaken with sensitivity and if protected tree species are involved, prior approval would be required from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
He says members of the public who want to contribute to the upkeep of the boardwalk, may contact the SANParks Wilderness office. Any voluntary assistance must be coordinated through the SANParks Honorary Rangers, Wilderness region.
Lebea says the boardwalk is set to be repaired and the supply chain management process is under way.
A section in the hedge where a resident is maintaining a garden.
Nosidima Vumindaba, manager of parks and recreation at the municipality confirmed that the hedges and walkway fall within their jurisdiction.
"The trimming will be prioritised and added to the maintenance schedule, and it will be undertaken with sensitivity to the natural environment. We appreciate residents' concern and willingness to assist, and we remain committed to ensuring both pedestrian safety and the preservation of indigenous vegetation."
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