AN island on Kelvin Place in Durban North has been given a stunning transformation thanks to a collaborative project between EnviroFixers Durban North, the Durban North Conservancy and local business Dykes van Heerden (DVH).

It is all part of the Adopt-A-Spot programme offered by the eThekwini Municipality. The programme is a community initiative that allows residents to adopt a piece of land owned by the municipality with the aim of maintaining and beautifying it.

The flower bed on Kelvin Place is the third Adopt-A-Spot pioneered by the environmental organisation Enviro Fixers.

Also read: Environmental organisaiton urges residents to plant more trees

Helen Koch, a local resident and member of the organisation, gave some background to the project.

“Initially we were approached by residents in the area to beautify this island by installing an organic flower bed. The project had started when our original sponsors fell away and we were in the process of looking for a new sponsor when DVH came on board. We’ve planted a variety of aloes and other flowering grassland species which draws in wildlife all year round.

“A big part of this project is about getting other communities and businesses on board, especially with green areas that are overgrown or unsightly. If someone comes to us we will approach the municipality on their behalf and we help facillitate the application with the intention that the the company or community will sponsor the green areas upkeep. I think this particular bed is a real standout and when it flowers it definitely catch more eyes of residents and visitors to the area,” she said.

Also read: Exploring Durban spaces: The Durban Botanic Gardens

Christie Holland a conveyancer for DVH said she was ‘blown away’ by the bed transformation.

“We are a local business and we want to be part of community projects like this. We brainstormed a few ideas and through collaboration we pushed for this Adopt-A-Spot. I think it looks beautiful and I hope to see more like this. I think planting indigenous is the way to go especially because of the myriad of benefits to the environment and wildlife,” she said.

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