Clean-up initiative hopes to take Edenvale back

In an attempt to improve Edenvale members of Ward 18’s ward committee launched a volunteer clean-up initiative.

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Started several months ago by environmental portfolio committee member Lisa Atkins and sport, heritage, recreation, arts and culture (Shrac) portfolio committee member Andrew Morifi, the initiative hopes to see community members take ownership of their community.

The clean-ups aim to improve the aesthetics of Edenvale, uplift the town and encourage a volunteering mentality amongst the community.

Since implementing the clean-ups the volunteers have cleaned De Klerkshof Park and a section of Palliser Park.

“We only managed to clean half of Palliser Park as there was a lot of rubbish that needed to be removed,” said Lisa.

“We also needed to stop because on the one side there were camps of recyclers which we brought to the attention of EMPD so we can continue cleaning.”

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Next, the volunteers hope to clean the area around Eastleigh Taxi Rank on July 23.

“A month ago, Andrew and I visited the rank conducted an assessment and met with the Lethabong Taxi Association to hear some of their concerns which were escalated to the municipality.”

Concerns from the association included the deterioration of the commuter centre building, a lack of drainage in the rank, damaged toilet facilities and not being able to secure the facility.

The duo said that meeting with the association and listening to its concerns prompted the clean-up.

Lisa said since starting the clean-ups there has been a positive response from the community.

“The first clean-up we did there were probably 15 of us including learners from a home-schooling centre,” said Lisa.

During the clean-ups volunteers don’t only pick up litter and debris but also use spades and gardening equipment to clean out stormwater drains and gutters.

Lisa said volunteers also try to trim any trees, located near the road, which hinder motorists’ visibility.

“The week before the clean-up I contact the parks department and ask them to send their standby team to assist to collect any off-cuts and bags of rubbish we accumulate,” said Lisa.

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Besides improving the look of the community, volunteers collect any recyclable debris left at the park and while doing so, teach children about the importance of recycling.

“We try and do some recycling as well so that not everything goes to the landfill sites.”

Lisa highlighted that those who assist in the clean-ups are of various ages.

“There are a few retired people who have joined the volunteer group and I think it’s quite nice because they get to be out in the fresh air and with other community members.”

Andrew said since the volunteer group started its numbers have grown with more volunteers showing interest with more people talking about it.

“What is nice is even if MMC Heather Hart, Ward 18’s Clr is extremely busy she still helps out,” said Lisa.

Through the clean-ups Lisa and Andrew hope to create a community which is less reliant on the council to fix issues for them.

“We also want to make the community aware of the environment,” explained Andrew”

He said by doing so individuals who dump refuse illegally will hopefully think twice before doing so and go to a formal landfill site.

Lisa said by cleaning and improving the community shows renewal and growth.

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“It creates awareness not to litter everyone appreciates an environment that is user friendly,” said Andrew.

“Following the clean-ups at De Klerkshof and Palliser parks people have become proud and taking ownership.”

To become involved in the volunteer group contact Lisa on 082 900 884.

Names, surnames and the area residents live in will need to be provided.

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