Ackerman’s Pharmacy in Primrose has initiated the Primrose Cleaning and Maintenance Initiative, which aims to keep the business district of Primrose and surrounds clean.

ALSO READ: Primrose Masters help a local charity organisation

Earlier this year Ackerman’s started with the sweeping and cleaning of debris and dirt in town, which included Beaconsfield and Rietfontein roads as well as the park opposite Pick n Pay and Primrose Primary School.

Ackermans Pharmacy operational manager, Steward Shapiro, said as the cleaning initiative progressed, they discovered that this venture is bigger than what was initially intended and the vision for a cleaner environment was the tip of an iceberg.

“As is the case with the majority of South African cities, towns and municipalities we are accosted with social decay, apathy, lawlessness, the destitute and homeless human beings,” said Shapiro.

“We as Ackermans have met with various businesses in town who have pledged their willingness and eagerness to be part of such a venture and funding the continued cleaning and maintenance of these roads,” he said.

“I envisage starting a forum consisting of role players such as members of the community, business leaders, SAPS, members of the municipality, ward councilor, media and other existing stakeholders.

“The first start-off forum meeting is planned for the first week of November,” said Shapiro.

Johan van Wyk, one of the owners of Ackerman’s Pharmacy, said they started cleaning around the pharmacy a few years ago and soon expanded the perimeter. They had three previously unemployed local people employed for street cleaning.

“I had two choices, one I move the business out of the area or two we remain and do something to improve the environment,” said van Wyk, whom was born and raised in Primrose.

ALSO READ: Primrose elders join health and safety classes

“I asked Steward to approach businesses in the area. He went all the way to the cemetery and down to Rietfontein Road.

“The exercise had a positive feedback because we now have a few businesses whom bought into the idea,” he said.

“The main idea is to educate more people about the benefits of having a cleaner environment. We don’t want big businesses to move out of the area because it would have a ripple effect,“ said van Wyk.

“We do want to invite businesses in the Primrose CBD to join hands, even if they start cleaning and sweeping directly in front of their own premises,” he said.

The pharmacy is also involved in community projects. For the last couple of years they have continued to support the Primrose-based feeding scheme, Ithemba Soup Kitchen, with bread and soup every Wednesday.

ALSO READ: No place to cool down this summer as Primrose Swimming Pool remains closed

They assist about 300 people a week.

In hopes of reinvesting to the community, Ackerman’s Pharmacy is expanding and moving the pharmacy across the road into a much larger premises.

The old existing premises will be converted into an affordable medical centre to benefit the public, especially for non-insured patients whom cannot afford private healthcare.

Trevor da Silva, from Silvasons Hardware, also said the initiative will benefit not only the small and big businesses but the community at large.

He said most businesses are family owned and they want to instil a snese of pride.

ALSO READ: Suspects arrested in Primrose for counterfeit cigarettes worth R2-million

Ward 36 Clr Wendy Morgan welcomed the initiative by the local businesses and encouraged the community to look after their spaces.

“The area looks clean and looked after. As the ward we promote a safe and clean environment. We ask residents to clean up their front gates and keep their waste in check,” said Morgan.

“There are few challenges that we have been picking up. There are people who dumb rubbish soon after the team has cleaned up,” she said.

She encouraged residents to report illegal dumping.