Sandown residents and businesses to combat the Sandspruit River crisis
Sandown and Strathavon residents, and businesses based in Kramerville, have joined forces through the Sandspruit Environmental Renewal Initiative to rehabilitate and secure the Sandspruit River greenbelt, tackling pollution, illegal dumping, and safety risks.
In response to growing environmental and safety challenges along the Sandspruit River greenbelt, Sandown and Strathavon residents, including businesses based in Kramerville, have come together to take decisive action.
The area between Katherine Street and South Road has seen illegal dumping, makeshift dwellings by informal recyclers, and uncontrolled fires, leaving it both hazardous and unsightly.
Read more: UPDATE: Sandown residents and businesses take Sandspruit River crises into their own hands
The community has been actively engaging with various departments from the City of Johannesburg, including Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Johannesburg Roads Agency and Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (Crum).
However, they have been informed that there is no budget to offer financial support. Therefore, they have formed the Sandspruit Environmental Renewal Initiative (SERI), a registered non-profit company dedicated to restoring and safeguarding this critical urban green space.
Zakwe
One of the SERI directors, Jill Hagley, said, “The Sandspruit greenbelt is part of our community’s natural heritage. Its degradation affects everyone, residents, local businesses, and employees alike. By taking responsibility ourselves, we are showing that communities can lead meaningful change when municipal resources are limited.”
The initiative’s priority is to secure the greenbelt with fencing, a project estimated to cost R600 000. Additional funding will be needed for clearing debris, managing waste, and ensuring ongoing maintenance.
Also read: Sewage leaks threaten Sandspruit River’s vital ecosystem
Local businesses and community members are being invited to partner in this initiative, contributing financial support, materials, or services to help rehabilitate the area.
Hagley highlighted the wider benefits of the project. “Securing and restoring the greenbelt not only improves safety and aesthetics, but it also protects property values and enhances the business environment. This initiative is about creating a shared space where everyone can thrive.”
She added that in collaboration with City Parks, they planned to erect a City Parks–approved sponsor acknowledgement board at the entrance to the rehabilitated green space, allowing contributors to visibly demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Hagley added that they were also in the process of obtaining Section 18A certification from SARS, ensuring donations are tax-deductible and fully transparent.
“Together, we can turn this neglected stretch into a vibrant, safe, and sustainable green corridor. This is a project that benefits everyone who lives, works, and invests in this community.”
Residents and businesses interested in supporting the initiative can contact Jill Hagley at 083 947 9683 or [email protected].
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
