Help Hatton Estate fight pollution

TO keep proper watch of the Umbilo River pollution, the Hatton Estate will open offices where the residents can also play their role and have their say.

The river has been constantly polluted over the last two years and and Marion Crecsent resident, Neil Pearce, said proactive monitoring is needed to try and get to the bottom of the problem.

“The Umbilo River used to supply water to Durban, but now it is impossible with the constant pollution.”

Pearce said the pollution has minimised a little after a story was published in the Highway Mail on Friday, 20 February.

Mondi Paper recently donated a container to the Hatton Estate Neighbourhood Community Watch, which they are renovating to make offices.

“The pollution has decreased, but it gets worse when the water level rises as perpetrators use the chance to litter. We now have patrollers from Westmead and also residents who live along the water who monitor the river.”

According to Pearce, the offices will be in an open area where people and children can go along to learn more about pollution, rain water harvesting and taking care of the environment.

“We are a small community that cares about the community and the environment. We started with a neighbourhood watch, now we have a river watch,” he said.

The Hatton Estate Neighbourhood Community Watch is appealing to businesses to help them with building material to renovate the container.

“We appreciate the assistance of residents and companies who have assisted us thus far,” added Pearce.

Anyone who would like to donate material to the watch can contact Pearce on 084 408 3643 or e-mail neilpe1@gmail.com.