SHEREEN LAKSHAN: The spruit is so important because of the environmental friendliness it has and its lovely trees and birds. In my 18 years of living here, it was my first time coming here.
For many communities, their local spruit has come to be a place that some might deem as unsafe. The Ferndale Residents Association worked with their community to reclaim their much-loved Ferndale Spruit. We spoke to some residents to find out why they thought their spruit was so important for their community. Here is what you had to say …
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BEV HALLOWS: It is about time we had a place that we could roam freely with our children and our pets, so we can enjoy life again and nature. Because of the goings on in the spruit, it has chased away the wildlife, the birds especially. I see the duck and ducklings here too now. It is just wonderful.
JOHAN VERMEULEN: The Ferndale Spruit is important as it is one of the few natural greenbelts in the greater joburg area. Unfortunately, it has been overdeveloped and neglected over the years. About 30 years ago people used to ride their horses and take their kids for a stroll. Nowadays it is just another green belt that has been neglected. The bank is completely eroded, displaced people lived here and others dump their rubbish. We really want to the City of Joburg allocate some funds to restore
KRISHNI KISTAN: I never got close to the spruit because of the safety aspect, but it is good to now be able to walk freely and its a good place to meet your neighbours. The spruit brings people together.
TRACY REBELO: Everyone wants an environment where you are safe and are able to enjoy open spaces. I have three dogs and I’d like to walk my dogs up and down the area. Also, Ferndale is so central to everything, I would not want to move out for anything.
NIROSH LAKSHAN: Ferndale Spruit is very important because it is the image of the community and if it is kept clean, we will get more people come visit our area.
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