Residents make a difference with clean-up initiative
Their primary focus is on a stretch of Eisselen Street, where they aim to restore cleanliness and enhance the neighbourhood’s appearance.
A group of residents from Daveyton have taken it upon themselves to clean up their community, actively picking up litter, removing debris and clearing overgrown grass from street islands.
Their primary focus is on a stretch of Eisselen Street, where they aim to restore cleanliness and enhance the neighbourhood’s appearance.
According to Louis Mbuli (45), the founder of the KVD Clean-up Programme, they started this initiative in January after noticing waste and unkempt public spaces, which led to an increase in rodents and crime, as thieves were starting to hide in the long grass.
“The incident of a granny who fell on the street due to overgrown grass also encouraged us to tackle the problem head-on,” said Mbuli.
The group, which consists of about 21 unemployed youth and adults, believes the clean-up will not only improve the environment but will also create employment opportunities if they receive funding in the future.
“This initiative proves that some of us are not unemployed because we are lazy. People can work if they are given opportunities,” said Mbuli.
He added that following their visibility on the streets of Daveyton, the group has been approached by municipal officials for a meeting to discuss a way forward.
The group is using borrowed equipment, such as rakes and shovels, but they hope to acquire their own tools soon.
“Another challenge we face is disposing of the waste after cleaning up. Our volunteers have to walk long distances to the local dumpsite, which is far.
“We believe that if we receive transport assistance from the public or municipality, it would make our work much easier,” Mbuli explained.
The group is appealing to anyone willing to donate trash bags, gloves, PPE, wheelbarrows, and other gardening maintenance tools.
Those interested in supporting the initiative can contact Mbuli at 072 715 6064.
The group also plans to expand its efforts to other parts of the neighbourhood.
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