Springs residents organise clean-up campaigns to restore town’s dignity
The community members said the city’s lack of action led them to take matters into their own hands.
Springs residents have grown increasingly concerned about the town’s poor maintenance, especially the overgrown grass posing a safety risk.
Tired of waiting for municipal action, residents from various neighbourhoods joined forces to launch cleaning campaigns to reclaim and beautify shared spaces. On May 26, they gathered to clean Protea Park and tackle the overgrown grass.
The initiative’s organiser, Gerhard Potgieter, said the CoE has been inconsistent in maintaining parks for years, leading to overgrown grass and increased illegal dumping.
“The CoE does nothing to keep these parks clean. I visited the parks department and saw about eight to 11 tractors, most broken, with only one reportedly working. The overgrown grass has caused problems with mice and snakes.”
He added that the team, comprising 15 community members, used a tractor, two lawnmowers, and a slasher to cut the grass.
“Our community also has night patrollers who report activity in the park, raising concerns about our safety,” Potgieter said.
He added that the initiative will expand to other parks.
“A notable example is community member Hannes Meyer, who has maintained Violet Park clean and tidy through a similar project.”
On May 25, the chairperson of Struisbult’s CPF contacted Petro Kirton, AfriForum’s local chairperson, to organise a cleanup of the park on 195 Kingfisher Street. AfriForum, the CPF, and residents took responsibility for the park.
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AfriForum contributed equipment, including a tractor, bush cutters, and chainsaws. Community members also expressed concern about the overgrown vegetation on Colliery Road. The bushes and grass, last trimmed in 2021, have encroached onto the pavement and grown taller than the average person.
“The long grass makes it difficult for people, especially schoolchildren, to walk through. They now walk on the roads to avoid being mugged or bitten by snakes,” said resident Francis Swart.
The main frustration is that despite the municipality’s inaction, residents must still pay high rates and taxes. Resident Celeste Snyman said, “If you miss a payment, they cut off your water – but expect us to understand when they say they have no money or can’t perform their duties.”
This publication recently reported that the Eastern Gauteng Chamber of Commerce plans to collaborate with the Department of Parks and Recreation to tackle this issue. Clr Mike du Toit said the recently signed memorandum of understanding could lead to some improvement.
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