Local residents team up to create a clean, litter-free environment
Residents addressed their concerns about trash and litter, as well as dirt and grime and graffiti splattered on walls.
Locals flocked to the streets of Kempton Park to clean up areas and beautify the neighbourhood, curb crime and cultivate community pride.
Everyone, from senior citizens to the youth, came together on January 5 and cleaned Pascoe and Commissioner streets and on January 9 they headed out to their assigned spots to brighten and boost neighbourhood pride at Peter Park.
Residents addressed their concerns about trash and litter, as well as dirt and grime and graffiti splattered on walls.
They aimed to curb hopelessness in the neighbourhood.
Kempton Park resident Laetitia Jones, the clean-up organiser, hoped the clean-up programme will improve the image of the neighbourhood as living in a clean environment makes life healthier, less stressful and more pleasant.
“A neighbourhood that smells like garbage or looks like a dump is an undesirable place to live and work in.
“We are tired of living in a dump. One can see how our community is neglected. Most of the residents on our WhatsApp community groups were complaining that the municipality pays no attention or too little attention to the well-being of the community even after having residents Lynette and Elbie helping in reporting the community issues. I decided to do something about it.
“The goal is to ensure the areas will continue to be an enjoyable area to live, work, visit, dine and shop in.
“Rescue Skips gave us a good price on a skip. Some of the residents also donated towards this good cause.
“A committee of dedicated residents, business owners, environmentalists and city officials must be formed to organise fund-raisers to leverage resources to pay for programmes and enlist the help of the youth.
“This week the clean-up cost approximately R3 000. However, that’s not enough for the clean-up programme because we need an industrial lawnmower that is priced at R14 000.
“I really would like to purchase it to reach my goal of cleaning more parks. Amid the clean-up last week we had a resident known as Lawrence who stopped and asked if we could also help clean up the park located on Poplar Street so that the children could have a place to play. Once we get a lawnmower we’d really want the park to be our next project. The parks also need more signs around on illegal dumping.
“If we just stand together as a community and get everyone in different areas to do clean-up Saturdays, we can make a good impact.
“If anyone is willing and able to co-coordinate, they are very welcome to contact me on 083 444 8579 so we can get a game plan going and make a difference,” said Jones.
