MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Following an article in the Mossel Bay Advertiser published in September regarding the cleaning of an overgrown alley in Hartenbos Heuwels, residents in Fraaiuitsig said they too are troubled about undeveloped, untidy plots of land.
A resident, Sue Heystek, whose property borders land owned by the municipality, complains that despite their correspondence with the Mossel Bay Municipality over the past two years, they have had no joy in remedying the situation.
She says plants on these open plots include alien vegetation as well as indigenous plants.
"We are concerned about the safety aspect too, as they offer a hideout for vagrants and those wanting to commit opportunistic crimes. A neighbour and myself have continued to keep the areas close to our properties clear at our own cost in terms of labour and water."
Heystek says residents from households bordering the plots, who took matters into their own hands, were given written warning by the municipality that they would be fined if they pruned or removed any of the vegetation themselves.
"All we want is to make the area attractive and a peaceful place, where people can enjoy nature and wildlife. We are not asking for much."
Guidelines applicable
According to feedback from the Mossel Bay Municipality, the area in question is classified as an undeveloped public space, dealt with in the same manner as a green belt. Hence, it is not municipal land.
"The guidelines in dealing with a green belt differ from other types of zoned erven. Conserving the environment, especially the indigenous vegetation, is of importance to the municipality. The councillor of the ward in question shared this information with the particular residents numerous times," commented director of Community Services, Elize Nel.
The municipality said the particular area had been cleared of alien vegetation recently, but that new growth may have occurred following the recent rainfall.
"The municipality will investigate and check the effectiveness of existing three-metre firebreaks. Existing guidelines must be adhered to by the municipality when clearing vegetation in a green belt."
In its comment, the municipality pointed out that members of the community are not allowed to erect any structures nor expand their gardens in a green belt.
"We have, in fact received complaints about this from other residents in this particular area. Residents are not allowed to cut off, prune or remove any vegetation from municipal property."
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