THE Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA) teamed up with the eThekwini Parks Department to host a planting day at The Bluff Showgrounds on January 30. This event supports their ongoing plan to build a botanical and eco-friendly community garden.

Also read: Cleaning up The Bluff with the BRRA and weFEEDsa

Ronel Lategan, vice chairperson of the BRRA, said that their long-term idea for the showgrounds is to have a space that looks good, is good for the environment and is safe for the public. Despite making good progress, there are still some problems that plague the showgrounds.

“We also want to encourage the community to report if they see any by-law infringements like drinking in public, to the relevant people,” said Lategan.

Lategan added that the BRRA and the parks department share the same goals for the space. Lategan said that the parks department is always giving advice, skills and constant help to make sure everything is done the right way and in a way that protects the environment.

The parks department

Patricia Cele, who leads The Bluff team from the parks department, reflected on how much change has been made to the showgrounds.

“The place was really beautiful in 2012, but since then it was damaged and vandalised over time. People started stealing from the shops across and hiding stolen items here. I wanted to do something different, so she talked to the BRRA and the Ward 66 councillor about turning the space into a flourishing botanical area,” said Cele.

She added that the goal for her is to make the showgrounds a place that The Bluff can be proud to have in their community.

“We want people to know that there is a pretty spot on The Bluff that can be rented for weddings, parties and community events,” she said.

Supporting the project

The BRRA is also calling on residents to donate any indigenous plants they have to the community garden, as these plants are important for keeping the environment healthy and sustainable. Lategan also urged people to visit the showgrounds, exercise and spend time there, saying that it is a beautiful space that everyone needs to help protect.

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