Volunteers galore for Alberts Farm’s Spruit Day clean-up

The Friends of Alberts Farm and various volunteers from residents to security companies, got together to tackle the spruit that runs through the bottom half of the park.

This was their contribution to Spruit Day, an annual day where volunteers clean up different parts of the Braamfontein Spruit in Joburg.

Friends of Alberts Farm member, Colleen Rood, said after around three hours’ work, 20 volunteers collected about 70 bags of rubbish from only a 50 meter stretch of the Spruit.

Rood said that two vagrants were also part of the volunteers who helped to clean up the area.

“Most of the rubbish consisted of plastic bags and glass and plastic bottles, all which are trapped by the reeds. This accumulates to form islands as soil, tree trunks and branches are also caught. In the rainy season, the accumulated material can cause flash floods and erode the river bank,” Rood said.

Volunteers also came across a mattress, a backpack, a car tyre, clothing, takkies and blankets.

“On a positive note, it was amazing to see how nature attempts to deal with the rubbish by growing around and through the plastic. We saw a number of bird species in the reeds during the morning as we were working.

“The situation is, however, very bad and we will continue to do monthly clean-ups along the Spruit. Details will be available on Facebook at We love Alberts Farm Conservancy.”

Apcan Security provided security and Mortgage Max sponsored three staff members who helped clean up.

Holland provided water bottles, Vetcare sponsored gloves and a resident provided some cold drinks. City Parks also provided 3 litter bins.

Alberts Farm will again host a big event as City Parks launch National Invasive Species Week.

The park will be subject to alien cleaning for a week and residents are welcome, Rood said.

Details: Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy Facebook page; colleenrood@gmail.com

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