By Nangamso Mabindla
23 August 2005

A DANGEROUS red milkwood tree is to be chopped down for the benefit of drivers and pedestrians using John Bailey Road in the Marina Glen area of East London.

The indigenous red milkwood, estimated to be over 30 years old, is a danger to the general public as it is rotten inside from the base of the trunk right up to some of its branches.

Gavin Koopman, the assistant manager in the environmental services department, said the City could not do anything to save the tree.

"It is hollow inside and showing no signs of recovering. So, in the interests of the general public, we thought it was best to get rid of it. However, we want to inform the public before we do it so that they can go and have a look themselves," he said.

Buffalo City has received permission from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry to cut down the tree.

"We received a licence from [the department] allowing us to cut the tree down. They sent inspectors to have a look at the tree and they also decided we should go ahead with our plans," Koopman explained.

He said the tree's branches extended over the road, which was used by drivers and pedestrians going to the suburbs of Southernwood, Baysville and Bunkers Hill.

"One of these days the weight of the tree might be so much that it falls on top of a passing car or pedestrian, and this could result in either a loss of life or a serious injury."

There is a possibility of it falling, particularly as the East London rainy season sets in.

"The changes in weather will definitely increase those chances. Rain is more of a threat as water will go in through the holes and cause more damage to the tree," Koopman concluded.