A Re Sebetseng kicks off 2018

It’s been seven months since the launch of the clean-up campaign A Re Sebetseng, and the campaign has been gaining momentum in the community.

On February 17, Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha and ward residents took the opportunity to clean up the Bez Valley World War I memorial, which is situated on the corner of Kitchener Road and 9th Avenue in Kensington, opposite the Darras Centre.

Also read: A Re Sebetseng clean-up campaign launched in Yeoville

“It is about time that we as residents take back our neighborhood and clean up,” said Bez Valley resident Laura Da Sousa.

“The memorial use to be respected, and now it looks like a dump and neglected.”

Da Rocha said the Bez Valley memorial had become an eyesore.

“I’m proud of my Bez Valley residents who took time to come and support the memorial clean-up,” the councillor said.

“This memorial park is part of our community’s history, and looking after it is important.”

He said the clean-up campaign has a meaning and an important role to play in the community.

Also read: A Re Sebetseng kicks off 2018

“Community clean-ups don’t only help to keep our area clean, they also bring the community together,” Da Rocha said.

“Residents who never knew each other get to meet and interact and share ideas on how to keep the neighbourhood clean.

“The clean-ups are an opportunity to educate those who litter to respect the environment and keep it clean.”

The park has been a concern for some years.

“As residents we are willing to look after the park, provided that the municipality supplies the necessary tools. It would be nice if the park could be revamped and fenced,” Da Sousa added.

“This memorial is part of our heritage, but currently it has become a shelter for vagrants and drug traffickers.”

Last year, Ward 66 committee member for infrastructure and services Joseph Dube called on residents to help in preserving heritage sites in the ward.

He called on residents to assist in forming a forum to look at all heritage sites in Ward 66.

Also read: Resident gets hands dirty to clean up park

Da Rocha said the clean-up campaign challenged residents to work together to win the war against filth.

“I would like to encourage my community to get themselves into little groups and become part of the clean-up campaign. I would like to thank residents who are already doing so, and encourage others to join. If we all get involved, we will win the war against dumping.”