Melville neighbourhood comes together for road upliftment project

Melville residents ignite a community-driven road upliftment project, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the impact it can have on a neighbourhood.

In a display of community spirit and collaboration, the Melville neighbourhood came together to undertake a roadside upliftment project on the western side of the road between 6th Avenue and 11th Avenue.

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Community, Recreation, and Environmental Services Sector (Creass) was the contractor supported by the Melville Security Initiative, Melville Business Association, and Melville Residents Association. The project aimed to address key issues such as grass cutting, brush removal, litter picking, and the removal of dumped domestic waste.

The project, which served as a continuation of recent upgrades from Kingsway Avenue to 6th Avenue, had a primary objective of creating safe passage for pedestrians. Overgrown obstacles and vegetation had forced pedestrians to walk in the roadway, posing potential risks. The overgrowth had also caused the roadway to narrow with soil, grass, and shrubs encroaching well beyond the kerb.

By clearing the sidewalk overgrowth, the project not only improved pedestrian safety, but also enhanced traffic visibility around bends, reducing the likelihood of accidents. One of the significant challenges faced in the area was the frequent malfunctioning of street lights due to cable theft, accident damage, or fallen tree branches.

As a proactive measure, the project team marked all street sign poles and street light poles with reflective tape, aiming to increase visibility and safety. There are future plans to refresh the kerb line and potentially add reflective studs.

During the project, the community managed to clear approximately 20 refuse bags of litter and waste, with valuable assistance from Pikitup Waterval Depot, who are now involved in regular maintenance in the area.

Owner of Creass, Danny Nunes said that additionally, the removal of invasive species, particularly bug weed, and shrubs from the sidewalk and kerb line, was a key focus.

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Prior approval from City Parks Region B was obtained, ensuring the project adhered to regulations. In certain locations, the overgrowth had become so dense that pedestrians were forced to walk in the roadway. With the project’s intervention, these areas are now carefully cut back, providing a safer and more accessible pathway for pedestrians.

Notably, the project had also aimed to uplift the local community by providing employment opportunities. “Three workers from the community were hired, earning wages for assisting with tasks such as litter picking, contributing to the overall success of the project.”

The impact of the road upliftment project extends beyond the physical improvements. It serves as a testament to the importance of first impressions, creating a welcoming and well-maintained environment for visitors, whether they are coming to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, or exploring the area’s residential properties. As with any urban management effort, the initial work sets the foundation for ongoing maintenance initiatives to prevent the area from reverting to its previous state.

Danny emphasised that the success of this project is a result of the collective effort and dedication of various entities, including Pikitup Waterval, City Parks Region B, Mr Bin Skip Hire, and the hardworking staff from Creass Community Services, namely Patricia, Skumbuzo, Joseph, Anderson, and Edgar.

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