Residents transform their neighbourhood

In efforts to transform their neighbourhood, Ward 32 residents and their councillor, Marius de Vos, recently initiated a clean-up project.

Since inception, the project has seen the team tackle overgrown vegetation and grass along several roads, mainly in Parkrand and the surrounding suburbs.
The eyesores on paved areas, including bus stops near Laerskool Baanbreker and Humpty Dumpty and the road verge on Dudley Smith Street, were also tackled.

A local business, Janbre Art & Professional Picture Framing, came on board after noticing the work done by the clean-up volunteers.

Janbre Art & Professional Picture Framing’s Brenda Steenkamp said, “We requested help via various social media groups to feed the volunteers, and the response was great. The residents’ generosity made it possible to feed the team daily and give them something to take home.

“Community members assisted with cutting the mounds of grass and soil on Van Wyk Louw Drive and Langenhoven Street. Motorists, cyclists and runners who use Dudley Smith Street praised the team for their work.”
De Vos said the team had also recently started unclogging the stormwater drains on Van Wyk Louw Drive and Langenhoven Street.
With the rainy season upon us, he raised concerns about the lack of stormwater drain maintenance to prevent flooding.

“There is no sign of road and parks workers six months after the community cleaning team started to clear the gutters, road surfaces and stormwater drains on major roads in Parkrand and other suburbs.
“It is our resolve in Ward 32 to keep our neighbourhoods neat and clean. We refuse to be forced by the municipality to live in a pigsty.”
Anyone willing to support the initiative by donating something for the volunteers or participating in the clean-ups can call De Vos on 81 524 6950.

R10m investment
Early in August, the city announced it had made a significant investment in maintaining and beautifying our public spaces, with a procurement of parks and cemeteries equipment.

The specialised grass-cutting and tree-pruning equipment worth R10m includes 395 brush cutters, 200 chain saws, 15 self-propelled walk-behind mowers, 80 pole pruners, 20 leaf blowers and two skid steer loaders.

Speaking at the equipment handover at the Boksburg depot, MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management Leshaka Manamela said the investment sought to build up the metro’s internal capacity to reduce its reliance on external contractors and tenders to maintain its green spaces effectively.

Late last month, the city said it was channelling additional resources towards addressing grass cutting, weed removal and tree pruning at the cemeteries following recent rains.
The CoE urges all residents to report any overgrown grass and trees to its call centre on 0860 543 000. Your co-operation and active citizenship help the city maintain a clean, safe and beautiful environment for everyone.

Also Read: Community invited to clean-up campaign