Uprooting of trees in the CBD: Gift or the Curse?

BULAWAYO–BULAWAYO City Council (HCC) has embarked on a tree uprooting exercise in the central business district to facilitate the upgrade of underground utilities and eliminate potential hazards like trees falling on cars, Express Mail Zim can report.

The development has however been met with mixed feelings by residents who are complaining that council is delaying to clear uprooted trees thereby causing road accidents.

A few months ago, two people died when their car veered off the road and rammed into an uprooted tree in the CBD along Fife Street.

“As much as we appreciate the council’s effort to uphold safety and maintenance through eliminating potential hazards, we urge them to quickly remove the fallen branches to avoid accidents, ” said Mpumelelo Nyoni a Mpopoma resident.

A Harare based urban planning expert Nkosinathi Bhebhe told Express Mail Zim that clearing trees can make way for new construction projects, such as buildings, roads, public spaces, which can enhance Bulawayo ‘s economic growth and development.

” Removing trees can facilitate the installation or upgrade of underground utilities, such as water pipes, electricity cables, or communication networks, improving the city’s infrastructure,” he said.

“Selectively uprooting trees can enhance Bulawayo’s appearance by creating space for public art , gardens, or other landscape design elements that can improve the CBD’s visual appeal.
” It is common knowledge that Bulawayo is the hub of arts, ” said Bhebhe.

He however said it is important to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of uprooting trees in the CBD, such as loss of green spaces and urban biodiversity.

Efforts to get in touch with the City Fathers hit a snag.

BULAWAYO CBD is known for its blooming Jacaranda trees that have beautified the city.

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