THE Mariann Co-ordinating Committee (MCC), in partnership with the Umhlatuzana Catchment Forum (UCF), recently launched the Riverside Pocket Park project in Mariannridge.

Project champion and director of the MCC, Jennifer Boyce, said this was a proud moment which came to fruition from working alongside the Social Employment Fund (SEF), in partnership with the Independent Development Corporation (IDC), Green Corridors and Africa Ignite.

Driving these partnerships and project entities is the eThekwini Municipality’s Transformative Riverine Management Programme (TRMP) in the City Manager’s Office, Boyce added.

Boyce said the park revitalisation project will commence in December and is expected to be completed by July or August 2026.

“After three years and almost seven months of lobbying, meetings, and determination, we are excited to finally see this project begin. The Riverside Pocket Park, located in Galaxy Crescent in Mariannheights on the Umhlatuzana River, borders the Mariannridge community,” said Boyce.

According to Boyce, the Riverside Park has long been a beautiful and scenic green corridor, which has been a place for recreation and relaxation for communities.

“The river adds a serene and spiritual experience, with birds, fish, and the occasional soaring eagle creating moments of profound connection with nature.

“The MCC has always envisioned revitalising the park for current and future generations. Efforts such as park clean-ups and community events were already underway to spark interest among residents and local authorities,” said Boyce.

In April 2022, the Riverside Park was hit hard by the heavy rains and subsequent floods.

“When the water receded, the destruction around Riverside Park was overwhelming. Many residents feared the river would swallow their homes, but were relieved that they remained unharmed.

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“One of the most severe impacts was the destruction of a large sewer pipeline, which washed away and released raw sewage directly into the river. This contamination caused extensive damage to the river ecosystem and forced the MCC to halt all plans for park improvement. Community events that had been hosted at the park were cancelled for the next three years due to health and safety concerns.

“Despite the devastation, we did not give up. Together with the Umhlatuzana Catchment Forum, we continued lobbying local authorities to prioritise the replacement of the pipeline. This was a long and challenging journey, but eventually, progress was made and the pipeline is now being replaced,” said Boyce.

Boyce said the goals of MCC are to restore, revive and bring back to life the park and river.

She added that over the next eight months teams of enthusiastic residents will:

• l Clear alien bush and dumping sites
• l Remove alien plant species and replant indigenous trees
• l Stabilise the riverbank with appropriate vegetation
• l Build a compost heap and prepare areas for community food gardens
• l Develop a recycling and reselling initiative for economic upliftment

“This phase is a testament to our commitment to conservation,” said Boyce.

The second phase, she added, will include:

• A walking trail A children’s play area
• A gym park Rehabilitation of park amenities
• And, if possible, an exciting water slide for the community

“Our hope is to officially open the revitalised Riverside Pocket Park by Heritage Day 2026,” said Boyce.

Boyce thanked all the stakeholders who have been hands on in the project.

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