I am writing to express my deep concern about the deteriorating state of the Paarl Arboretum, a onc proud collection of rare and magnificent trees that stands as a botanical heritage site in our community.
The Arboretum is not merely a park but a living museum—a one-of-a-kind sanctuary that should be preserved with the utmost care for both conservation purposes and as a natural treasure of Paarl. Instead, what we witness today is a gradual descent into neglect that threatens its very existence.
Recent incidents of large-scale cable theft highlight the ongoing security issues plaguing the area. The Arboretum has become a haven for homeless individuals who, while deserving of compassion and proper social services (another pressing matter which the municipality does not address), are inadvertently contributing to the damage of this fragile ecosystem.
Perhaps more concerning is the apparent abandonment of proper horticultural management. On the southern edge along the Berg River, invasive wattle trees are flourishing unchecked. These trees were previously removed, but the lack of follow-up care has allowed them to return in force, threatening the native species and the ecological balance that makes the Arboretum special.
One cannot help but question whether this neglect stems from indifference or something more calculated. As development increasingly encroaches on green spaces throughout the valley, is the municipality deliberately allowing the Arboretum to deteriorate to justify future development? Are we witnessing a slow-motion replacement of our natural heritage with yet more brick, mortar, concrete, and steel?
The Paarl Arboretum deserves better. It deserves protection as both an environmental asset and a community space. I call upon our municipal leaders to recommit to proper management of this irreplaceable resource—to secure its borders, remove invasive species, and ensure it remains the crown jewel of Paarl for generations to come.
