Residents clean the streets
"The rain has made it more difficult but it's still good to see that people want to make a difference in this town."
Despite the rainy conditions over the weekend, the Springs Rotary Club joined forces with the Interact Club at Springs Girls and Boys High schools to clean up the Springs CBD on Saturday morning.
Learner Makaita Chivonivoni spearheaded the project and was backed by many residents.
Residents from all walks of life split into groups and began their efforts at Ace Auto next to the Springs Fire Station and gradually made their way through the town.
They were given bin liners and gloves with which to pick up the refuse. Brooms were also used to give the streets a proper working-over.
A local recycling company volunteered to collect the bin liners the volunteers left along the route.
The Springs War Memorial was given special attention due to the amount of refuse that has been dumped over time.
The memorial is one of the most famous landmarks in Springs and keeping it clean will go a long way in restoring pride in the city.
Also read: Learners and Rotary Club of Springs to clean up CBD
One eager volunteer, Fanie Phala, explained he wants to be able to say he is proud of Springs.
“Sometimes I am ashamed of how our town looks. The streets are filthy and people avoid this town and that makes me feel very ashamed and embarrassed. I want to walk down these streets and not be disgusted with what I see and say that I am proud of Springs”.
Makaita was immensely pleased with the turn-out on the day.
“I never thought so many people would show up. The rain has made it more difficult but it’s still good to see that people want to make a difference in this town.
“Special thanks to the SAPS and ProSafe and the Ekurhuleni Solid Waste Department for their help.
“Everybody wants to be proud of the place in which they live, and this is the one way that it can be done,” said Makaita.
Ward councillor Thulani Simelane also chipped in to help and was able to secure the help of the Ekurhuleni Solid Waste Department.
“This town is a mess. People no longer respect this town and treat it like a dumpsite, especially the War Memorial. But it’s very good to see residents stand up and take matters into their own hands,” said Simelane.
ProSafe and SAPS provided roving patrols to keep the volunteers safe.
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