Alien Invasive Property Inspections

Did you know that the home owner needs to have their property inspected for Alien Invasive Species?  This has come about because of the National Environmental Management-Biodiversity Act.  The seller of an immovable property must,  prior to the conclusion of the relevant sales agreement, notify the purchaser of that property in writing of the presence of listed invasive species on the property.  These documents will need to be sent to the Conveyancing Attorney, for use during the property sale, along with the Electrical Certificate of Compliance, the Entomological Clearance Certificate, the Gas Certificate of Conformity and the Elctric Fence Certficiate of Compliance.

The Alien Invasive Species are categorized into 4 groups, namely:

Group 1a:   Emerging highly invasive weeds which must be controlled.  They may not be sold, moved, propagated or grown.  Example:  Red valerian (Centranthus ruber)

Group 1b:  Plants may not be grown on land, and must be removed.  Examples:  Lantana (Lantana camara) and Bugweed (Solanum mauritianum)

Group 2:   Plants may be grown if a permit is obtained.  This includes plants with a commercial value.  Examples:  Pines, gum and some wattle.  However, if found in a riparian area, it then becomes Group 1b.

Group 3:   Plants may be on the land but not sold, or replanted.  Example:  Jacaranda.  However, if found in a riparian area, it then becomes Group 1b.

For further information contact Alcocks Entomological Services:

Tel: (031) 569 2996

E-mail:  info@alcocks.co.za