GALLERY: Concerned residents gather for Alberton Dam clean-up

About 23 Alberton residents spent November 16 cleaning up the Alberton Dam.

The clean-up was inspired by the community who wanted to actively make a difference to the state of the Alberton Dam.

The invitation was open to greater Alberton residents to remove litter and pollutants in and around the dam. The residents removed litter which included plastics and bottles, among other things, which filled the dam. To make the clean-up a success, the waste department donated refuse bags and gloves.

A similar clean-up, hosted during World Clean-up Day the previous year, took place in Verwoerdpark.

Ward 37 councillor Tiaan Kotze said: “Residents want to do this regularly. We are looking at continuing at the dam or choosing hot spots where the community gets together a lot. We are also looking at getting the weir fixed, which will keep the waste from flowing into the dam.”

He told the RECORD the pollutants adversely affect the fish in the dam and that he condemns littering.

“Solid waste tends to trap fish or sometimes fish ingest small pieces of plastic, which becomes deadly for the fish. The littering has a great effect, and is worsened by oil that spills into the dam,” he said.

Mark Swart, who was present on the day, said through the clean-up they intended to make a difference.

“Coming through today was a great feeling. We want to improve the state of the dam and return it to its original condition,” said Swart.

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