Community takes over where metro has ‘failed’
The community members decided to clean up the park as the metro failed to do so.
A group of community members took it upon themselves to clean the Sakkie Blanche Park in Parkrand on January 20.
Armed with black bags, volunteers picked up litter and cut the grass at the park.
According to organiser Clayton Cooley, of Days Packaging, they decided to roll up their sleeves because the metro is failing to maintain the park that they want their children to enjoy.
“The local municipality does not maintain anything and it is now the residents’ problem,” said Cooley, adding he was happy with the outcome of the initiative.
“I would like to thank everybody who contributed, including Blackie Swart from ZA Prop Benoni/Boksburg and Jerry Tui from Jerry’s Garden Service.
“We will aim to keep the park maintained.”
The Advertiser previously reported the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has launched a clean-up campaign amid a public outcry over the city’s ‘failure’ to keep up with overgrown grass.
The campaign is aimed at encouraging public involvement in tackling this and the problem of illegal dumping in public spaces.
The campaign, called ‘Clean Your Kasi, Manje Namhlanje’ was launched in Thembisa on January 19, and led by Leshaka Manamela, MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management (ERWM).
In a recent interview with this publication, the city admitted it faced internal challenges that led to a grass-cutting backlog.
However, Dlamini pointed out the municipal management is working closely with the relevant departments to resolve the challenges and ensure improved and ongoing maintenance of open spaces across the city.
Dlamini stated the city recognises the grass and plants in some areas of the city are currently longer than usual, creating a problem for residents.
“With this in mind, the city reassures residents it is doing all it can to get on top of grass-cutting. We are working on a programme that will see our teams dealing with the backlog – clearing overgrown vegetation in public open spaces, including parks, verges, sports fields, road reserves, and cemeteries across the city.”
Also Read: WATCH: Volunteers clean Atlasville
Also Read: MMC launches clean-up campaign to quell public outcry over overgrown grass
