This after flash floods in the area destroyed numerous shacks and left vast amounts of debris in its wake on 17 February. The initiative involves Ward 96 councillor Marome Mafokwane and officials from City of Joburg, Pikitup and City Parks.
The project, named Letsima began on 11 March and has created temporary employment for 31 residents of the informal settlements. The area between the bridge at Kya Sand Industrial Park and Kya Sands informal settlement will be cleared of litter, overgrown grass, debris and invasive plants.
“This initiative was taken by City Parks and Joburg Zoo, and it aims to educate community members to take care of their environment so that they in turn can teach fellow members of their community to do the same,” said Mafokwane.
“Yes, it is only temporary work, but it’s better than no work at all because we are giving them something that they did not have before.”
Mafokwane also spoke of future plans regarding youth in the informal settlements, and improving their lives and circumstances through education for the sake of future generations.
“My view is that young people in the settlements do not know the difference between what is right and what is wrong,” he added. “I want them to participate in the programme so they can learn to look after their environment so we can bring up a new generation who has a different way of thinking.”
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