Fragility of nature bows to infrastructure

Two recent events of destruction of indigenous vegetation and large trees in the George area have been brought to the newspaper's attention.

- Alida de Beer

The removal was done by contractors under the watch of government authorities, sparking concern among residents for the seeming disregard for the impact on the environment and tourism.

In one incident, along the Seven Passes Road in the Wilderness Heights area, a contractor appointed by the George Municipality's (GM) Electrotechnical Department had seemingly removed all vegetation between the road and the fence to make way for some powerlines.

Wilderness resident Dr Arne Witt said the extent of this clearing was totally unnecessary. In some places, the full 30m stretch between the road and the fence was cleared.