Florida South Residents Association (FSRA) gathered their troops for yet another clean-up operation at the now notorious corner of Ruth Street and 8th Avenue.

According to FSRA chairperson Rodney Churchyard, this T-junction, where illegal crossing of the railway lines is prevalent, is also a popular spot for people to illegally dump everything from household and garden waste to building material.

“We try to tackle this spot at least three or four times per year,” says Churchyard.

“The footpath leading across the railway line has become a popular place for people going to and from the CBD.

“While it is strictly speaking illegal to cross the railway line here, the existing infrastructure, like the nearby pedestrian bridge and tunnel are unsafe, leaving people with no other choice.

“The rife overgrowth of vegetation along the railway line forces people to navigate the small footpath that serves as a crossing point through tall weeds, so that no one can see them from the street.

“This crossing is used by everyone from residents crossing into the CBD to make use of public transport, to domestic workers, and children going to and from local schools.”

Churchyard once again warned that community apathy poses a real threat to their continued effort at community upliftment.

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“Today, we only had two residents join us. Considering we’re all volunteers working to fix the area, one would think we’d have more support.

“Instead, our efforts are completely ignored. Without more community involvement in these efforts, we will be forced to cease our cleanup operations. It is unfair to expect volunteers to spend their valuable time and resources if the local community itself is not willing to take part.”

Churchyard adds that some of the residents themselves are responsible for dumping illegally along the railway line.

“We have credible reports that some of the residents along Ruth Street are themselves responsible for much of the illegal dumping here.

“We call on residents to record the details of anyone dumping illegally so that they may be reported to the authorities.”