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The Executive Mayor Samkelo Janda, was in Willowvale on Monday, 03 November 2025, to officially introduce the appointed contractor for the Alien Clearing Project along the town’s main road a major milestone in the municipality’s mission to restore and protect natural landscapes.
What Happened
The environmental initiative focused on:
- Removing invasive tree species such as Eucalyptus grandis (commonly known as the gum tree)
- Safely managing and utilising biomass
- Creating local employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
- Rehabilitating cleared areas with indigenous vegetation
- Improving water availability
The project employed 20 EPWP workers, supported by 6 team leaders and 2 supervisors, all equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety.
Official Response
During the event, Executive Mayor Janda said the project was “about much more than removing alien species it’s about managing the environment, empowering our communities through meaningful work, and securing a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
He also mentioned that the municipality focused only on public spaces during the clearing process and that an annual budget would be allocated to maintain cleared areas and make them more attractive to potential investors.
The Mayor underlined the importance of stakeholder engagement, noting the need to involve government departments, ratepayers, the taxi industry, commuters, and residents so that everyone understood their roles, expectations, and the project’s impact.
Logs collected during the clearing process were repurposed for municipal beautification projects and other local uses, ensuring that the benefits remained within the community.
Community Impact
Residents, ratepayers, and businesses in Willowvale warmly welcomed the project, appreciating the employment opportunities and environmental improvements it brought. Many also expressed that clearing the overgrown trees enhanced street safety, as some areas had become hiding spots for criminals targeting pedestrians.
