A community project to clean and restore Alberton Dam in Verwoerd Park is getting attention.

This project is driven by Pompidelik Community Initiative, with Nicole Craukamp and Jacques Nel taking the lead. They have called for change by sharing information and showing the dam’s current condition.

Craukamp and Nel want to bring the dam back to life but say everything must be done properly, with the City of Ekurhuleni’s approval and guidance.

Alberton Dam was once a vibrant and well-used public space where families gathered for picnics, children played freely, and schools hosted cross-country events. Residents could fish, enjoy the braai facilities and spend time at the Lapa, making it an important part of the community’s identity.

Today, however, the area has fallen into disrepair.

Problems identified at the dam:

• Dirty water with a strong, unpleasant smell

• Possible pollution or sewage contamination

• Unsafe and broken play equipment

• Damaged and unhygienic bathrooms

• Neglected braai areas

• A closed and deteriorating Lapa

• General litter and poor maintenance

“This place was beautiful years ago. There were no fences, no security, but it was clean and looked after. Now things are falling apart. The playground is not safe, and nothing gets fixed, but there are people who want to help. I’m ready to work with anyone who wants to make a difference,” Nel said.

The restoration plan is detailed and focuses on fixing the dam step by step.

The project aims to:

• Obtain formal municipal approval and guidance before work begins

• Request water-quality testing and environmental assessment

• Identify and address the cause of the bad smell and possible gases

• Restore public bathrooms to a clean and usable condition.

• Repair or replace unsafe play equipment

• Restore braai facilities

• Restore the Lapa as a usable community space

• Review the current security arrangement and improve safety

• Protect birdlife, including blue cranes, and any fish or wildlife

• Rebuild community pride and involvement

• Create a transparent sponsorship and donation structure

• Establish a long-term maintenance and community oversight plan

Craukamp and Nel have also played a role by helping spread the message, raise awareness, and lay the groundwork to get the community involved.

Nel also created social media pages to share updates, collect support and show progress.

Formal request to the City of Ekurhuleni:

• Written permission to form a community restoration partnership

• A municipal site inspection

• Water-quality testing due to the smell and possible gases

• Investigation into possible sewage contamination or pollution

• Environmental guidance relating to birds, fish and wildlife

• Inspection of the bathrooms

• Safety inspection of the play equipment

• Inspection of the braai areas

• Structural inspection of the Lapa

• Review of the current security arrangement

• Guidance on what volunteers may safely assist with

• Confirmation of what work must only be handled by the municipality or approved contractors

• Permission to involve sponsors and local businesses

• Permission to hold community clean-up days

• A named municipal contact person for ongoing communication.

Community ready to act:

Despite the challenges, there is strong community support behind the initiative.

“There are many people willing to help. Thus far, six groups have contacted me and they are willing to help. We just need the right permissions and support. If we work together, there can be change,” said Nel.

I also have DJs and radio stations willing to help spread the word. I was born in Alberton, and I always come back, so it would be an honour and a privilege to help bring Alberton Dam back to life. I even had my daughter’s baby shower there almost 19 years ago and now she cannot even go and sit there because of the current condition,” said Craukamp.

Nel and Craukamp are calling on local businesses, hardware stores, garden services, plumbers, and organisations to get involved through sponsorships, donations and services. Items such as refuse bags, tools, building materials, plumbing repairs, paint, gloves, masks, wheelbarrows, braai grids and security support will be needed once approval is granted.

Strict safety rules will be followed. Volunteers will not be allowed to enter the dam water or handle dangerous waste, and all major work will be done by professionals.

“Alberton Dam can become a valuable community space again, but it must be restored through the correct process. The community has the passion and willingness to help, but the project needs municipal approval, environmental testing, safety planning, facility repairs, improved security, community involvement and long-term maintenance.

“With the support of the City of Ekurhuleni, residents, businesses and community organisations, Alberton Dam can be restored into a clean, safe and proud community landmark once again,” said Nel.

For more information, residents may contact Jacques Nel on 062 671 5289 or Nicole Craukamp on 083 374 3714.