Taking the initiative to clear roads and verges around the North Coast, Jason Kobusch and his team are trying to promote ‘active citizenry’.

Since June, Kobusch and his four-man team have been moving systematically through several areas, cleaning up as they go.

“It is something I had been thinking about for sometime, while driving on the P104 towards Monkeyland, which is the road I live on. There are constantly near accidents on that road, with pedestrians carrying wood and sugar cane forced into the road because there is nowhere else to walk,” said Kobusch.

The team began on that road, doing everything they could to make it passable, including cutting back overgrown vegetation, the verges and clearing all manner of litter.

“Judging by the situation, I don’t think any maintenance work had been done for three to four years. It comes down to an utter lack of integrity and commitment by the municipality with regards to delivering services.”

Kobusch said after trying to go through the correct channels to address the problem, he realised he would have to take it upon himself to make a difference.

“It got to a point where there was a choice – to get frustrated and throw up my hands in defeat or try to get some things done instead. Whether the municipality is delivering the service or not has no bearing on my ability to help.”

Since clearing the P104 with his team, Kobusch has moved on, recently taking on the P474 in Sheffield.

He will continue to go where a problem exists, as long as he can afford to do so.

Funding for the work has so far come from his own pocket, with a few sponsors on individual projects.

But to continue full time would take further support and Kobusch is setting up a non-profit company so that donations would be tax deductible.

In the shorter term however, Kobusch may target the next ward elections, running as a ward councillor where he thinks a difference could be made.

“As I understand it, the job of a councillor is to fight hard for the community and to ensure that funds are well spent. On the North Coast rates are quite high so I don’t think it is a lot to expect basic service delivery.”

For now though, Kobusch believes the impetus for change begins with the individual and will continue practicing what he preaches in his three-year clean-up plan.

To get involved, you can call him directly at 079 373 7200.

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