Residents are on a mission to clean Diepsloot
DIEPSLOOT – Community members braved the overcast conditions to clean up an open field of land, saying that this is the start of cleaning their community.
Residents and community members of Diepsloot came together in an organised clean-up on a cloudy and rainy Saturday morning of 6 February.
Previously known as the Cetric Foundation, the newly named Bokamoso ba Rona Environmental Organisation partnered with Action for Responsible Management of Our Rivers (Armour) and Pikitup to host a clean-up with the community. The volunteers focused specifically on the area surrounding the pedestrian bridge in Ext 2.
Within the NPO are two well-known community members, Patience Chuene and Karabo Rakgoane who organised the day’s clean-up.
“Bokamoso ba Rona organised to clean the Diepsloot community and involve as many as we can. We have had a problem with sourcing enough equipment [such as] rakes, gloves and spades for everyone,” Rakgoane said.
A total of 85 bags were collected from around the pedestrian bridge. All the bags were then collected by Pikitup for disposal. Thembinkosi Nxumalo representing Pikitup said more needs to be done to look after the environment. “We are very concerned with the environment and climate change. Landfill sites are being filled up which gets contaminated with diseases. Animals eat whatever is in there and get sick as well.”
Nxumalo added, “It is so important to see younger people take part in keeping the community clean for them to know and help keep the environment clean.”
Public relations officer of the Diepsloot Residents Association, Joseph Mvelase said the association is glad to get involved with the initiative and helping to keep Diepsloot clean. “This is not the first time we have gotten involved with cleaning up the community. It is something that is needed.”
The pedestrian bridge in Ext 2 in Diepsloot is not the only focus area for the NPO as they plan to target areas with illegal dumping especially ones close to schools.
Details: If you have items the community can use for their clean-ups, contact Patience Chuene on 076 881 3426 or Happy Makhubela on 065 845 7021.
