Outcry as olive trees 'reduced to stumps'

THE SEVERE cutting back of olive trees on the N12 near Oranje Toyota in Kimberley has sparked concern among residents, prompting many to voice their outrage on social media.

- DANIE VAN DER LITH

The trees, which are a protected species in the Northern Cape, were cut back drastically, leaving only thick stumps in the ground.

As Arbour Week is currently in full swing, and people are being encouraged to plant trees, the DFA reached out to Oranje Toyota following the public outcry. General manager Dewald Oberholzer responded to the concerns.

According to Oberholzer, the decision to cut back the trees followed a call from the municipality. “We were phoned a while ago by the municipality stating that the treetops are growing into the municipal overhead line, and we must ensure that this is corrected,” he explained.

He added that the overgrowth of the trees was causing several risks to both the dealership and the public.