Merebank residents band together to restore community

THROUGH a joint community effort, the corner of Raj Mahal and Ajmer roads in Merebank received a much-needed clean-up and new plants just in time for spring.

“This portion of land in the area was looking very untidy. The main contributor to the mess was negligent passer-bys who illegally dumped their rubbish. To make matters worse, others would urinate and defecate there. This street corner had become filthy, unhygienic and was an eyesore. As residents, we noticed that no change would come about unless we stood up and did something. We are not a committee just concerned and environmentally conscious residents who want to see our area clean. This project was long overdue and was unfortunately delayed by the effects of the lockdown as well as fibre installations in the area.

“But we are happy to have the ball rolling again during spring and arbour week. Now our mission is to upkeep this and deter people from using this area as a public toilet,” said Merebank resident, Rishi Sewsunker.

The initiative is also supported by the manager of Raj Mahal Hotel, Roy Doodhram who offers the use of the hotel’s toilet to the public should they be in desperate need of the facility.

“It demonstrates a huge lack of respect to turn a public space into a toilet in full view of other people. I hope this initiative will change the mindset of those who engaged in such activities,” he said.