Community clean-up clears path for wheelchair user
An effort to clear a path for a wheelchair user grew into one of the area's largest community clean-up operations in recent years.
What started as an effort to help a wheelchair user safely navigate Spencer Road grew into one of the largest community clean-up operations undertaken in the area in recent years.
Community organisations Hands of Maraisburg (HOM) and Florida South Residents Association (FSRA) joined forces on June 12, with support from the Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (Crum) team from Region B of the City of Johannesburg, to tackle overgrown vegetation and years of accumulated debris along the road.
More than 30 volunteers participated in the initiative.
According to HOM member Travis Davids, the project was inspired by a community member who uses a motorised wheelchair and had repeatedly been forced onto the busy roadway because the pavement had become inaccessible.
Davids said the woman had sought assistance from various departments and organisations without success, prompting HOM to intervene.
“The initial plan was simply to clear a path that she could navigate safely, but we quickly realised the work required would be far more substantial,” he said.
FSRA chairperson Rodney Churchyard said the organisation was eager to become involved when approached by HOM.
“Various clean-ups have been conducted in this area over recent years, but none even close to this scale,” he said.
In addition to overgrown vegetation, volunteers had to contend with a significant build-up of sand and broken tar that had accumulated over many years. The compacted sand proved particularly challenging and had to be loosened with picks before it could be removed.
Additional support was provided by volunteers from the University of Johannesburg’s Engineering Department and the KCCC Foundation.
The operation resulted in a large section of the pavement being cleared, improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians. However, organisers said the volume of sand prevented the team from completing the entire stretch.
Crum assisted in arranging for the removal of the collected sand, while a nearby business provided temporary space to stockpile the material.
Organisers plan to continue the project once the sand has been removed, with the ultimate goal of clearing the pavement all the way to the traffic lights on Spencer Road.
Churchyard thanked all volunteers and supporting organisations for their contribution and said the operation was completed without any injuries.
