Paulshof cleans up its community for Spruit Day
PAULSHOF – Sunninghill and Paulshof residents worked together on Spruit Day to clean up their area.
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Along with the rest of Johannesburg, the Paulshof community cleaned up its area on 17 September in honour of Spruit Day.
Residents and council members picked up litter, cleared away alien vegetation and even managed to plant a few trees. The main focus of the residents’ efforts was open land on Acher Road next to the Jukskei River.
“The natural beauty of the area is so important to residents here,” said Kerry Mawson, one of the organisers.
“Cyclists, joggers and people who walk their dogs use the path next to the river every day, and they understand how important it is to keep the area clean.”
Read more about the Spruit clean up in the Sandton area: Spruit Day sees rubbish removed
The efforts in Paulshof were supported by the City of Johannesburg which provided trees and benches to beautify the area and had Expanded Public Work Programme staff help with the work. “The City helped coordinate clean-ups as part of our goal to have a greener Johannesburg,” said Banele Yabo, City of Joburg inspector for Ward 93. Metro police also provided support and security for volunteers.
Candice James, councillor of Ward 93 was one of the volunteers. “We’re aiming to collect lots of refuse at the end of today,” she said.
“So far, I’ve found kitchen appliances, women’s handbags and school books.”
Another issue that is facing the Paulshof community is squatters. In the past few weeks, Metro police have been in the area numerous times to get squatters to move away from their temporary living quarters on the open land, but they keep returning. “Unfortunately there is no homeless shelter in the area where they can go,” said James.
Together, they collected 150 bags or rubbish.
Yabo encouraged residents of Region A to report problems and complaints about the area to City of Joburg’s People’s Centre on 011 203 3300 to help the City improve its service delivery.
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