Staff Reporter
Harare motorists have urged the Harare City Council to urgently trim or cut down aging trees, which they say now pose a serious threat to vehicles and property.
This appeal follows an incident last week where a large, old tree collapsed, crushing a vehicle at the corner of Mazowe Street and Josiah Tongogara Avenue in central Harare.
Motorists who spoke to this publication expressed growing concern, fearing for the safety of their vehicles as the rainy season approaches.
They emphasized that immediate action is needed to prevent further damage or potential harm to pedestrians and motorists.
John Dube, a motorist who often parks in the city centre, shared his anxiety, saying, “The trees in the city are old and some are leaning dangerously. I now think twice before parking my car near any tree because of what happened last week. We don’t want to wait for another incident before something is done.”
Another motorist, Patricia Moyo, echoed these sentiments, pointing to the increased danger posed by falling trees.
“It’s not just the trees on the streets; there are many overgrown trees in residential areas too. The city council must act now, especially before the rains start. We are worried about the safety of our cars and homes,” she said.
Tendai Chiwenga, who witnessed last week’s tree collapse, called for proactive measures.
“That tree on Mazowe Street could have killed someone. The council needs to remove such trees before more damage is done. With the rainy season coming, the risk is higher,” he said.
Similarly, Rudo Mashonganyika, a frequent city commuter, said, “We are urging the council to trim or cut down trees that are showing signs of weakness. Some of these trees are decades old and could easily fall during a storm. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe has forecasted rains accompanied by violent storms starting this week.
Experts have warned that the heavy rains and strong winds could increase the likelihood of trees falling and causing significant damage to vehicles and property if the City Council does not act swiftly.
