200 trees signal new aesthetic chapter for Fourways Mall after trader clearance
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has handed over the trees to support the mall's beautification project, which began a few weeks ago with the removal of informal traders along Winnie Mandela Drive and Fourways Boulevard.
The joint operation with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the Fourways Improvement District made space for something new to take root, literally.
Also read: Sunninghill residents rally to keep their streets litter-free
Nicho Mbhumi, representing Fourways Mall and spearheading the beautification project from the very beginning, said he's thrilled about this next phase. 'I'm very happy, because this is what I needed to see. We want to improve the aesthetic of the mall for the community, environment, and people who are coming to the area. I can't wait for them to bloom and show off their beauty. We are so grateful to City Parks for these beautiful trees.'
The tree planting is being done in partnership with Ishmael Mutileni, from We Serve Landscaping, who is carefully planting the tree species around the mall, lining Winnie Mandela Drive, stretching from the intersection onto Fourways Boulevard and down to Cedar Road, and including the verges on the road.
Also read: Fourways Mall rises from the ashes with a multimillion rand revamp
According to Mutileni, the transformation won't take long. Once in the ground, the trees are expected to bloom in a few months, bringing life, colour, and a sense of renewal to the heart of Fourways. 'The trees are called Celtis Africana. They were selected because they are beautifully evergreen during their season, and they don't have invasive roots, which might damage the road. They are also very low in maintenance.'
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