Kloof Project continues to blossom under lockdown
Once lockdown level 3 was initiated, the Kloof Project volunteers jumped back into their various projects to ensure Kloof remains a safe and beautiful area for residents and visitors.
A GROUP of enthusiastic and dedicated Kloof residents who make up The Kloof Project (formerly Keep Kloof Beautiful) have, for the past 10 years, ensured this slice of beauty in the Upper Highway area remains a place of pride in which to live, work and play.
The indigenous gardens around the village are ablaze with colour and, once level 3 lockdown commenced, the avid gardeners sprung into action.
They have weeded and trimmed with the help of The Grasschopper team, which cut most of the grass for them as a generous gesture of goodwill.
Verge overhaul
A complete overhaul was done on the verge that runs along the front of Elizabeth Bridge, where passers-by can view the wall art murals by Giffy and Friends.
The former clumps of various groundcovers and tatty shrubs are now a thing of the past.
“The entire area is now a simple but striking grass stretch with weathered rocks, awaiting the finishing touch of a few aloes,” said the Kloof Project’s chairman, Chris Dalzell.
A 200m² of instant grass rolls was sponsored by Grass Roots.
Using the municipal water supply, the team are watering diligently to ensure it settles in successfully.
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Adopt-A-Tree
The next project on the NPO’s radar is a repeat of its well-supported Arbor Day Adopt-A-Tree scheme last year. The trees planted have, for the most part, thrived.
“One can see the potential for several avenues of trees in years to come for residents to enjoy,” said Chris.
Details of how more families can take part this year and plant their own tree in the village will be publicised on its Facebook page and on the Fields Centre notice-board in early August.
Keep it clean
Other than the important garden role, the group have a special interest in litter reduction, graffiti removal, reporting of municipal infrastructure in need of repair, cleaning of road signage and maintaining the Spar Walk pedestrian crossing.
The organisation also plays an integral role in both the Willingdon Walk and popular Railway bicycle/jog route initiatives, both of which need constant maintenance.
Empower the youth
A newly formed Youth Desk will communicate with all of the schools in the Kloof area about various projects (Arbor Day, walking and cycling route map).
“The team will work with the youth of Kloof to inculcate a sense of pride and ownership of their village. Regular railway line litter pick-ups is just one way the schools already make a difference,” said Chris.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
The group are hopeful that with the imminent closure of the Kloof recycling depot, it will be able to secure its own community recycling drop off site. They noted it will be kept in a pristine state and will be run by the community for the community.
“This has potential for local youth attaining community service hours by helping out at the new site,” said Chris.
ALSO READ: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy: Greater Double-collared Sunbird
Show your support
“Many residents compliment the state of the gardens, not realising it is the work of this group of volunteers, who need ongoing funds to buy materials and pay their garden staff wages,” said Chris.
The group relies entirely on residents donating R120 per annum per household (R10 per month).
This, along with the support of businesses and the Adopt A Spots in and around the village, help generate funds for NPO. Donors will also receive an annual SARS Section 18A tax receipt on request.
Stay in the loop
Follow the group on Facebook (thekloofproject), visit its website (www.thekloofproject.co.za) and sign up for its quarterly newsletter.
These social media pages and newsletter are courtesy of The Brand Collective, which offers its services pro bono.
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