The South African National Roads Agency Limited says it always strives to meet the requirements set out in all of its Environmental Management Plans (EMP) per project.

This comes after the agency recently came under fire for cutting down trees in Ekurhuleni. According to Sanral the trees were growing near the R21 on the way to OR Tambo international airport and as a result, they were accused of not being considerate of the environment.

According to Vusi Mona, SANRAL General Manager of Communications there was a good reason for getting rid of the pine trees, “the pine needles were continuously blocking grind inlets, which leads to flooding of the road,” he explains.

Mona notes that the agency then replaced the pine trees with Karee, which will not block any inlets. Mona says the agency is committed to preserving the environment and the crucial role that trees play in this.

Minimising adverse environmental impact

For example when the agency needed to remove trees along the R511 at the Hartbeespoort Dam in 2015 it was done to improve the safety of road users and the agency obtained a permit from the Department of Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in Mmabatho, North West to remove these trees.

“We are always considerate of the environment when building roads; whether it’s removing indigenous plants on a planned road reserve, managing stray animals crossing the road or digging-up rocks and sand for construction. We have an EMP for every project and it guides us to minimise or avoid adverse environmental impact” he highlights.

All permits in place

This goes beyond just relocating trees. A construction, area has to be fully rehabilitated so that it will be usable again.  Thus, the agency says where there was grass; it will be replanted and maintained over time.

“Sanral always consults and acquires permits from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to ensure that all requirements are met before construction takes place,” Mona concludes