Already over 200 aloes have been safely removed and are now being cared for in close proximity to the development.
"Polokwane is characterised by its wildlife, bush environment and natural vegetation with strong elements of natural beauty." says Patrick Flanagan of Flanagan & Gerard. "It was essential for us to be respectful of the environment, which hosts the development and we actively pursued numerous opportunities to conserve the natural elements of the site."
This has been a painstaking task. Some of the rescued aloes are exceptionally tall, and there was a risk of the heads of the plants breaking off during the conservation process. Polokwane has also received a large amount of rain in the past season and there was a risk that the aloes would rot.
The aloe relocation and rehabilitation programme is one of a number of conservation initiatives undertaken in the development of Mall of the North.
"We wanted natural vegetation to be incorporated throughout Mall of the North, with trees used densely in the open parking area that surrounds the centre," says Jannie Moolman of Moolman Group.
Wherever possible the earth, stone and vegetation from the site has been re-incorporated into the development. Natural crushed stone from the site has been used to create the gabions (wire-covered blocks filled with stone) that will be found in and around the centre. The rock has also been incorporated in the road upgrades taking place around the development.
The benefits of this initiative go beyond ensuring that Mall of the North is truly a symbol of its location. By retaining and re-using as much earth and stone as possible on site, fuel emissions are also decreased by eliminating the need to cart this material to landfill sites, it also avoids increasing landfills.
