Benoni Town Hall, Bunny Park could be cash cows for CoE
“This is important so that we can build better communities. We have much to be proud of. We just have to be inspired to do something.”
The founder of the Clean Projects NPO, Jonathan Etherington, said the upkeep of the Benoni Town Hall and other green spaces like the Bunny Park could financially benefit the CoE.
Etherington said the neglect of historical monuments and parks saddened him, adding that the town hall, for instance, could be used to host events like Christmas functions, musical plays and festivals for the municipality to generate income.
“Tradition is important. We can’t wipe away our past, regardless of whether it was good or bad. We have to look after our history,” Etherington said.
“A town hall is important. It’s something we should all look after. It can host functions and festivals or be used to build low-cost housing and even a centre for homeless people.”
He spoke at Clean Projects’ latest clean-up on the corner of Great North and Kei roads.
Clean Projects and several companies and organisations, including Golden Homes and Benoni CPF Sector Three, joined hands to paint the sidewalks and cut the grass on the walkways.
“This is important so that we can build better communities. We have much to be proud of. We just have to be inspired to do something,” said Etherington.
He said although the CoE had failed to deliver services to ratepayers, he hoped Clean Projects inspired the community to take care of their green spaces adjacent to their homes, schools or places of employment.
“We would love the municipality to help. I know it’s a sore point, but we pay rates for the municipality to deliver services, yet we don’t get anything. At the same time, we need to be inspired, to ignite ourselves and make things happen.”
Clean Projects director Jacqui Keel shared Etherington’s views, saying the need to get the community together drove this initiative.
“We understand the dilemma the municipality is in. We are here to help. We aren’t here to outshine anyone,” Keel said.
“We need the community to come together. In the past, the mentality was paying someone to clean up. But if people could physically come out and be part of a community, it would create a good sense of camaraderie, fellowship and values long forgotten.”
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