Notorious stream cleaned on Youth Day
The stream known for illegal dumping and as a hide-out for criminals robbing unsuspecting people.
While the rest of the country was busy celebrating Youth Day, residents of ward 16 in Mamelodi decided to clean up a notorious nearby stream.
The stream is infamous for illegal dumping and as a hide-out for criminals robbing unsuspecting people.
The residents were also joined by residents from extension 5 in the clean-up campaign.
Section representative Gladys Mbombi said illegal dumping in the stream was prohibited and a health hazard for people living nearby.
Besides this, the stream is dangerous because it serves as a hideout for criminals who hide in the overgrown grass.
“People dump waste into the river and almost every day, we find people’s purses, wallets and IDs in the stream,” said Mbombi.
Despite the stream not being safe, schoolchildren also use it to get to school.
“It is up to us to take care of the stream. Taking care of the stream means preventing water pollution.
“Illegal dumping at the stream also blocks water. People selling food nearby the stream are also to blame because they dump their rubbish into the stream,” she added.
This was the fourth time they cleaned the stream and placed no dumping signs. The community. however, continued with illegal dumping.
“We warned people who sell food not to dump here but they ignore us,” she said.
The community also told the people selling food nearby that they should go somewhere else to do their business.
“We want a clean area,” said resident Martha Skosana.
“We are tired of this dirty stream. It is not safe as many people are mugged at the stream.
“One day we found a person who was killed here.”
Gogo Maria Mpongo said coming together and cleaning the stream showed the spirit of ubuntu and unity.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to keep it clean,” she said.
“I am happy to see young people joining us in cleaning the stream. I pray that they will continue looking after the stream.”
Mpongo called on the community to join neighbourhood watch groups to patrol the passage next to the stream to prevent criminal activities.
“Every household should have a whistle to warn about crimes in progress.”
Councillor Collen Marishane supplied residents with tools to clean up the stream.
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