Sandown’s green heart suffers environmental damage
Sandown’s environmental group is appealing for public support to safeguard the Sandspruit River and transform the threatened riverbank into a safe recreational space for the community.
The Sandspruit Environmental Renewal Initiative (Seri) is appealing for support to save the Sandspruit River in Sandown from environmental damage.
The river located between Katherine Street and South Road is under threat from illegal sand mining, the cutting down of indigenous trees and illegal dumping and recycling activities.
The non-profit company, which was founded to protect and restore the riverine area, is seeking to raise R730 000 to fund fencing along the riverbank.
Seri director Jill Hagley said she believes that the Sandspruit River has the potential to become a valuable recreational and environmental asset for residents and businesses in the area.
Speaking at the site, Hagley said, “The biggest concern at the moment is that there’s a lot of illegal activity that’s extremely damaging to the riverine area. There is a pile of sand which has been mined from the banks of the river.
“This is a river that has flash floods when we have the summer storms in Johannesburg. If you look in the trees behind me, you will see the litter that comes down in the river when it’s in flood. That is the height of the water when we have a flash flood across this space.”
She added that vehicles enter the area to collect both sand and wood from informal traders, causing further damage to the green space.
“The only way we are going to protect this river corridor is to fence it. Based on several quotations we have received, the fencing will cost around R730 000, and we have only managed to raise R350 000.”
She added that they have worked closely with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, which owns the riverine area and has granted permission for the fencing project.
Also read: Sandspruit River ongoing pollution crisis frustrates Sandown residents
“City Parks understands the value of protecting this area and has been supportive throughout the process,” said Hagley. “Unfortunately, they told us they do not have the budget available to fund the fencing, which is why we are raising the money privately.”
Hagley said the vision for the rehabilitated greenbelt extends beyond environmental protection. She said the space should be a space for birdwatching, walking, cycling and family picnics.
“Many people living in surrounding apartments and complexes do not have access to private gardens and should be able to enjoy a safe, beautiful natural environment close to home. Please help us with donations so that we can make this area a safe space for everyone to enjoy.”
Details: contact Sandspruit Environmental Renewal Initiative director Jill Hagley on 083 947 9683 or email jill.hagley@outlook.com.
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