Help make Florida great again
After analysing the condition of the lake, Neville was given the green light to treat the water lilies and reeds.
All ruins have the potential to be glorious once again. Wanting to breathe new life into the parts of Florida falling into disrepair, local residents started a campaign known as ‘Make Florida Great Again’ (MFGA).
This campaign, which is now a registered NPO, was born from Neville Solomon’s deep-rooted concern for the Florida environment. Issues include but are not limited to filthy streets, overgrown grass and weeds, and the informal trading situation.
“It all started when I walked around Florida Lake not too long ago. As I was taking photos of the appalling condition of the water – filled with rubbish and all kinds of debris, I became concerned about the overgrowth of the reeds and water lilies,” he explained.
He knew that something had to be done and soon started raising awareness around various issues with the lake at its core.
“Since then my sister, Sandra Solomon and I started MFGA. With the help of community members and stakeholders, we hope to conduct frequent clean-ups around the Florida area,” Neville said.
According to this passionate activist, he had arranged with the Department of Environmental Affairs and City Parks officials as well as ward councillor Caleb Finn to have the lake inspected.
After analysing the condition of the lake, Neville together with the Roodepoort Angling Club were given the green light to treat the water lilies and reeds.
In support of the cause the Roodepoort Angling Club raised funds from within the club and spent close to R7 000 in efforts to remove the silt which had blocked the flow of the water. Neville regards the MFGA as privileged to have the club as one of their supporting stakeholders.
“Having formed a registered NPO, MFGA hopes to bring holistic change to Florida by uplifting its residents through empowerment training interventions, assisting authorities in the drug crisis, rebuilding the economy, luring new investors, reviving the property market and lastly, making Florida a safe suburb for its residents,” Neville said.
“Once we have successfully developed this model of transformation and intervention, we will look to partner with surrounding communities to duplicate the model.”
If you want to know more or get involved, feel free to contact Neville on 074 127 6439 or send an email to nevillesol@icloud.com.
