Roseline Mutare
Rhodene residents who were up in arms against council over trees dangling precariously over the sidewalks and roads can breathe a sigh of relief as the local authority moves to address the matter.
The overgrown tree branches were becoming a danger to motorists and pedestrians as they were potential hideouts for muggers and could cause accidents as well.
Janet Moyo from the leafy suburb was one of the first to sound the alarm bells.
“These trees are a ticking time bomb, during the rainy season, they all fall and cause serious accidents, we could see people getting hurt or worse muggers could hide in the bushy branches which are hanging onto the tarmac,” said Moyo.
Her sentiments were echoed by Tarisai Mudzingwa.
“We cannot just sit back and wait for something to happen, the city council needs to take action now,” said Mudzingwa.
The city council’s housing director, Simbarashe Mandishona, responded promptly to the residents’ complaints.
“Our park section will definitely attend to the falling trees and those hanging onto the tarmac during this off-season. We are assessing and trimming trees that pose a danger to residents, we have been waiting for the right equipment, but we have finally got the machine we need,” said Mandishona.
He further assured the residents that the council had contracted employees to do the tree cutting before the rainy season sets in.
“We have taken note of the concerns and we are acting upon them, our priority is the safety of our residents, and we will do everything possible to prevent accidents,” he added.
