Ria Human’s Clean-Up initiative continues to make a difference in Vorna Valley

The littering problem in Vorna Valley has become a major concern for Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe, and the entire community.

According to Deppe, swift and effective measures must be taken to ensure that the littering is brought under control before it spirals out of hand. The Vorna Valley Clean-up Initiative founded by Ria Human has been instrumental in keeping the area clean by hiring a worker who picks up about 20-plus bags of rubbish every week.

Read more: President Park clean-up initiative continues to tackle litter in the neighbourhood

Since the initiative’s inception last year, 454 bags of rubbish have been collected. Pikitup provides the refuse bags which they collect every two weeks. However, the initiative recently had to go the extra mile in picking up increased levels of waste in the area, stretching from Harry Gaulan Drive up to Moeerdyk, Anton Hartmann, and Grieg streets.

Deppe expressed her dismay at the appallingly high amount of rubbish on the pavements, which she noticed while driving around the suburb. “I don’t know if it is residents who are sitting on the pavement and eating food and throwing papers on the ground or if it is people who are walking through the suburb but I am appalled at how much filth there was in just that short space of road,” said the councillor.

Deppe called on everyone to stop littering and start taking responsibility for their actions.

“We have to get people to pick up this rubbish every single week. It is a nightmare for the City of Jouburg, and we have to pay private people to help, otherwise, it will just stay there.”

Also read: Locals and conservancy organisation join forces against litter

Human said five residents were contributing to the worker’s salary to keep the initiative running. She added this was a shining example of what could be achieved when people come together to make their community a better place.

“To keep our neighbourhood clean is very important. A ‘clean hood’ gives status to it and adds value to properties,” Human concluded.

Related article: Motorists littering the environment