After complaints were received about indigenous trees being cut down in the region of Port Elizabeth, the FF Plus reached out to the concerned residents of an area that borders on the Baakens River, which forms part of the Baakens Valley Conservation Area.
The FF Plus determined that at some point, the Nelson Mandela Bay environmental management issued a permit to an individual who has a business selling firewood. The permit was suspended after residents lodged complaints that other trees and plants, not provided for in the permit, were also being cut down.
The FF Plus is currently engaging with the various parties to arrange for the area to be cleaned up seeing as it poses a fire as well as security risk.
It appears that unauthorised street vendors are accessing the area to collect the wood left behind so that they can sell it; in the process, even more damage is done to the environment.
The FF Plus has advised residents to immediately report any further activities in the area to the Metro council.
Although the FF Plus is not opposed to the removal of foreign trees and vegetation, indigenous flora must be protected and conserved for future generations.
The party will keep a close eye on the situation and assist residents by taking further action if the situation is not remedied soon.
Contact details: 072 582 3461
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