JOIN the International Coastal Clean-Up 2016, by helping to clean up the Allers and Umbilo River on Saturday, 17 September.
The Allers and Umbilo River meander through numerous eThekwini Inner West suburbs before discharging into the sea. It is home to numerous aquatic life species as well as birds, reptiles and mammals. However, it is constantly being threatened by litter and factory effluent, which destroys the water quality and eventually kills off the plants and wildlife that depend on the river for their existence.
The event has been arranged by the Cowies Hill Lions Club and the Uthekwane Conservancy. An enthusiastic group of people will descend on the Allers and Umbilo River to participate in the annual International Coastal Clean-up Day this Saturday, 17 September.
Shirleen Ward, member of the Cowies Hill Lions Club, said in past years teams from various organisations, schools, businesses and members of the public have picked up on average about 200 bags of refuse in total during a mere two hours of hard work.
“We hope to once again tackle this clean-up before the spring rains, to avoid the flood waters washing all the rubbish into our Durban Bay and beyond. The river will be tackled at various points along its course – Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Ashley, New Germany and Clermont/Reservoir Hills,” said Ward.
All volunteers are urged to wear closed shoes and take along their own gloves. Garbage bags will be provided but assistance with additional bags will be appreciated. All welcome.
Areas and people to contact
Umbilo River – Ashley
Meet at Mariannhill tea room (Intersection of Mariannhill and Gillits Road) at 8.30am. Will walk down the river along Voortrekker Street to Kokkewiet and possibly to Caversham Road (but think it might be a bit overgrown by Braby’s).
Contact Justine on 084 437 9631.
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve along Umbilo River
Meet at Paradise Valley Interpretive Centre at the Nature Reserve at 9am.
Contact Shirleen on 082 772 2020.
Aller River – New Germany
Meet at the intersection of Hilmer Road and Paul Street at 9am for 9.30am.
Contact Pat Olivier on 082 932 9048 or Cathy Enslin on 084 923 9978.
Aller River – Clermont
Meet at Pemary Ridge Primary School, 4 Pemary Road, Reservoir Hills at 8:30am.
Contact Solomon Dlamini on 081 271 0839.