Government is making the eradication of invasive species the legal responsibility of property owners . Moreover , municipalities were to have until 1 October last year to outline their plan for controlling invasive species on all public land in their areas , according to a directive from the Dept of Environment Affairs . However , whether such a directive was enforced by the
IN THE GARDEN
From page 33 butterfly bush is tolerant of a variety of soil and climatic conditions , infestations may occur almost anywhere , but are often first noticed along roadsides and in other disturbed areas . The plants deadline is unclear and , given the parlous state of many municipalities , it is unlikely that compliance has been widespread . But it is not only municipalities that have to comply with environmental regulations . " Like municipalities ‚ every landowner in the country also has to remove invasive species on land that they own ‚" the department says . " Invasive species are now deemed a legal liability to
spread readily from rhizomes in the soil , from seed , and from cut stumps that regrow in spring . Seeds may be dispersed by water , through human activity , and by seed-feeding birds . every property owner and the legislation will impact on estate agents and conveyancers ." There are 559 listed invasive species listed in the National Environmental Management : Biodiversity Act ( Nemba ) and the Alien & Invasive Species
ON THE PLOT
Selling your plot ? Your duty towards invasives
( AIS ) Regulations . Every landowner also has a so-called “ duty of care ” to remove invasive species from his or her land . The new law also says that every seller of a property has to inform the buyer of any invasives on the property .
35 www . sasmallholder . co . za