Neighbourhood team leads stormwater drain clean-up in Pretoria North
The team focused on areas such as Rachel de Beer and Grafenheim streets, and Daan de Wet Nel Drive where the blockages were most severe.
AfriForum’s North of the Mountain branch recently embarked on a major clean-up operation throughout parts of Pretoria in response to a plea from the Tshwane metro regarding blocked stormwater drains.
Concerns about potential flooding have been raised, especially during heavy rain.
The municipality warned residents against dumping household waste into the stormwater system.
The team worked diligently to ensure the stormwater drains were cleaned.
They focused on critical areas such as Rachel de Beer and Grafenheim streets, and Daan de Wet Nel Drive, where the blockages were most severe.
AfriForum’s district co-ordinator for Greater Pretoria North, Llewellynn Hemmens, said the clean-up effort formed part of a larger initiative by the branch to improve the overall cleanliness and safety of the area in addition to unclogging eight stormwater drains.
During the month-long operation the team collected and filled 1 570 bags of rubbish, removed 196 loads of waste, cut 2.5 hectares of grass, cleaned 12 parks and cleared eight areas that were heavily littered with debris.
Hemmens expressed his appreciation for the hard work of the neighbourhood team, emphasising the critical role they play in maintaining the community’s well-being.
“The branch has once again proven that it plays an important and relevant role in the community. The area is fortunate to have this team of volunteers looking after its well-being,” said Hemmens.
In addition, Ward 2 has seen large-scale community-driven transformation.
More than 50 residents, alongside local businesses, AfriForum, and the Tshwane metro, came together to clean up the area from West to Danie Theron streets.
Illegal signs, waste and trash were removed, marking the start of a new era for the area.
Councillor Quentin Meyer said the ward is on the road to recovery and that they will not allow their area to fall into disrepair again.
“Together, we will continue working to make this area better, safer and cleaner.”
Tshwane is pleading with residents to stop dumping household water materials in stormwater systems and to report any stormwater blockages to the metro’s customer care centres.
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