The community living near Independence Square in Mount Moriah are requesting for trees growing on that road to either be chopped or removed as they have started to breed worms and insects during the spring and summer time. Residents claim that when these worms and insects fall from the tree onto the people, it causes a terrible itch on the body.
David Lekwakwe who operates a tuck shop on the street said that he has to close the tuck shop when the worms appear as customers are afraid to come to the purchase anything from the tuck shop. Residents said that Parks and Gardens have been informed but they did not get a response yet. They are calling for the trees to be chopped, removed or treated.
Amir Amiri, a resident said that he has been living in the area for 22 years and only recently he has seen the trees breeding worms. “These worms are entering our homes and insects are settling on the banks and yards. They crawl everywhere especially in the spring and summer time. I suggest that the trees be removed as a resident who parked his car under the trees had his tyres stolen recently.” said Amiri.
He said that the trees have been growing in the area for the past 18 to 20 years and also seem to be growing onto the road. Residents are concerned that the road will be uprooted soon.
Furthermore, residents have complained that there are no railings on two sets of stairs leading from Independence Road to the community. The community members walk up and down the stairs with nothing to hold onto. The community called for the municipality to install railings.
EThekwini spokesperson, Mandla Nsele, responded as follows:
“Thank you for bringing the matter to our attention. A team was dispatched to investigate and found no insects were visible. The complainant was given our contact details in case of a visible infestation. The trees, however, will be sprayed for insects in the summer. The issue concerning railings has been reported to the relevant Unit to investigate.”
