Edenvale residents revive town through clean-up initiative
From fixing potholes to tackling illegal communes, 1610 United is restoring Edenvale with hands-on help from residents and businesses. The group’s mission: a cleaner, safer town where residents take pride and property values thrive.
1610 United is a group of concerned residents who are not politically aligned with any party and simply want the best for Edenvale.
“Most importantly, we get things done!” said founder Kerry Hannah, who, along with eight other Edenvale volunteers, runs the group and its extremely active WhatsApp group, also called 1610 United, which refers to one of Edenvale’s postcodes.
Kerry explained, “I started this volunteer group in October 2024. Our mission is to restore a sense of pride in our town and make it clean, safe and beautiful.
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“A place where all current and future honest, hard-working rates and taxpayers want to live. Where economic growth for legal business opportunities is abundant to support the town and its needs.”
This group of caring residents does not rest on its laurels and truly gets things done.
Since March 2025, local volunteers and businesses have:
• Filled 214 potholes
• Trimmed 160 trees
• Painted curbs in various parts of Edenvale, including the intersections of Elm and Hendrik Potgieter streets, Sycamore and Elm streets, Dowerglen Extension 3, Willow Park and Dowerlake
In addition, the group regularly cuts grass and cleans up parks across Edenvale.
Resident Jason Cutler from Edenvale Ridge, along with his supervisor Herman and four helpers, has transformed and beautified many of these areas.
“They’ve worked with the support of Dot Towing and a highly motivated team that aims to “put the Eden back into the Vale.”
1610 United employs two individuals permanently on its painting team and receives additional donated labour from local businesses such as Mac Roofers and Wentan Developments.
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The group also aims to restore the value of Edenvale residents’ properties by addressing illegal communes.
Working in conjunction with the council, they help ensure proper zoning and licensing of land and private properties for specific purposes. This ensures that properties are used only as legally intended.
The initiative further seeks to stop landlords who allow multiple people to live on properties purchased for that purpose without legal lease agreements.
These landlords profit from rental income to the detriment of legitimate rate- and tax-paying residents.
“We also monitor and hold accountable any estate agent who allows the occupation of properties without following proper procedures,” Kerry said.
“They must take the necessary steps to check, confirm, and ensure that to the best of their ability, they are following best practices, conducting inspections, and enforcing lease agreements and sensible rules that prevent unlawful occupancy.”
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While 1610 United welcomes all donations, Kerry said no contribution is too small.
1610 United also aims to:
• Prevent illegal hawkers from setting up unapproved stalls
• Raise awareness by encouraging residents to recycle and prevent illegal dumping
• Restore and protect parks and infrastructure as safe public spaces
Kerry added, “As a united team, we are stronger. We couldn’t get anything done without the amazing people behind this initiative.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to every volunteer – from those selling raffle tickets and sharing posts, to those putting in hard labour on their days off.”
For more information about 1610 United, how to become a volunteer, or how to contribute as a business donor, visit www.1610united.co.za, contact Kerry Hannah at 083 294 0014, or email 1610united@gmail.com.
The monthly sponsors include: DOT Towing, Dowerglen Kwikspar, KH Auto pro, Diamond Detailing Services, Daryl Sogot from Jack Russell Estates, Elna Myburgh from Jawitz, Property Girls, Gauteng Asphalt, Magnus Financial Services, Tracey from Remax One, Homemade Artisanal Goodies, JR forklifts, CPG Security.
Other donors include; Grumpy’s Cafe, Petrone’s Pizzeria, Build It Edenvale, Go Zone Dowerglen, Pizza Baby Dunvegan, Liquorland, Pocket Power Trading, Kompass biltong, De Backery, Grandslam Sports Diner, Rodon Logistics, MC Hair Dressing, Absolute Air, Sip and paint, Pots Fruit and veg, Phoenix pyro blox, Wentan Media Co, Traceys kitchen, CDS Stationary and printing, 082 Carwash, Nemaglo has built the 1610 United website.
