A softer side to construction was seen along Empire Road, where trees that were removed for Rea Vaya road widening have been replaced.

MMC Ruby Mathang helps plant 165 trees along Empire Road

TREES that were cut down to make way for the widening of Empire Road in Parktown for the Rea Vaya Phase 1B network have been replaced.

Armed with shovels, Rea Vaya, the Johannesburg Development Agency and City Parks joined pupils from Parktown Boys High and Rand Girls schools, and members of the Parktown Residents Association, to plant 196 bush willows and paperbark acacia trees.

The mass planting took place on 5 September. Some of the trees were planted inside the boundaries of the two schools, which border the road.

The bush willow and paperbark acacia are indigenous, and both are drought and frost resistant. They are also known for their rapid growth rates.

In 2010, 76 old trees on both sides of the road, between Jan Smuts Avenue and Victoria Road – a distance of 0,97 kilometres – were cut down so that the road could be widened to accommodate the Rea Vaya bus lanes.

During the planting ceremony this week, the member of the mayoral committee for development planning and urban management, Ruby Mathang, said the City remained committed to the greening and environmental sustainability of Joburg.

"We hope to promote environmental awareness among Johannesburg residents. While the construction of the Rea Vaya [Bus Rapid Transit] reshapes the cityscape, it should not have a negative impact on our environment."

He said the Rea Vaya tree planting programme would provide a softer and more pleasing environment along the Rea Vaya route.

JDA CEO Thanduxolo Mendrew and MMC for development planning & urban management Ruby Mathang, at the tree planting

The deputy principal of Rand Girls School, Mellanie Kallie, thanked the City for its contribution and the upliftment of children.

"Our girls are subjected to exhaust emissions for an average of four hours daily. The BRT represents a major turning point to how pollution would be minimised in the city centre," said Kallie.

Charel Niemand, the principal of Parktown Boys, said it was a privilege to have indigenous trees planted along the borders of his school. "The new trees will bring some much-needed greenery to the route and hopefully the birds and insects will come back into the area."

Michael Fleming, a resident of Parktown who was devastated by the City's decision to cut down trees last year, described the pain he had experienced when he had seen chopped branches and flattened stumps while driving along the route.

"When I learnt that trees had to be cut down, I was sick to the heart," he said.

Another resident, Dee Worman, said that at first, they were quite emotive about the loss of the trees. "I am happy to see that the future of the environment is in safe hands," she added.

The construction on the 1,3km project started in October 2010. It involves the upgrading and widening of the stretch of Empire Road between Jan Smuts Avenue and Victoria Road, as well as along the section from Victoria Road to Joubert and Sam Hancock streets.

Once finished, this section will form part of the north-south link between the first operational trunk route and the second, yet to be operational trunk route. It is scheduled to be finished at the end of September.

Related stories:

• Empire road trees to be replaced
• Rea Vaya charts a green path
• Steady progress on Phase 1B