UPPER Highway residents plan to join the toxic trek, organised by the Upper Highway Air NPO, through central Hillcrest on on Saturday, 4 February, in an attempt to create awareness and highlight the ongoing pollution crisis in the area.
The idea of the toxic trek, a first for Hillcrest according to SAPS, was announced at a community meeting at St Agnes Church in Kloof last night, where hundreds of affected residents gathered. Lauren Johnson, one of the directors of the Upper Highway Air NPO, said they were given approval by the City to hold a peaceful protest march.
“We encourage all residents in Hillcrest and surrounding areas to attend and stand in solidarity with us, create posters, wear your T-shirts and help us in spotlighting dilemma to the appropriate authorities,” said Johnson.
She added that they will be handing over a memorandum to the relevant role-players.
The march will start and finish outside the Hillcrest Primary School in Hospital Road. Meet at 9.30am. The walk will start at 10am. The 2.8km route is expected to take an hour.
The Upper Highway Air NPO is looking for volunteer marshalls – one marshall per 10 participants is required by law but the conveners have requested 200 marshalls, not 100. The permit by council for the toxic trek is for 1 000 participants.
This march follows residents outcry regarding the toxic stench affecting their health. There have been reports of respiratory problems, nosebleeds, severe headaches as well as the suffering discomfort in their homes.
Rules for the march:
Damages are for the personal account of the conveners. So please behave.
All litter is to be cleaned up. Bidvest hired to assist but do your best not to litter, as the cost of the clean-up all comes from the proceeds raised.
Colonel Joseph of SAPS has asked that the march does not come to a standstill – it must keep moving.
At end of the march people are to disperse with reasonable speed.
No blocking of entrances to business, etc.
If you take an amplifier/speaker – not to be too loud.
No weapons of any kind.
No alcohol.
Banners and signs must not contain Hate Speech. You cannot make any statements that may incite violence.
No masks allowed to be worn or anything that hides your identity.
No one is to wear anything that looks like a uniform of any South African police/army/special services division.
No political party T-shirts or banners – this is not to be hijacked by any affiliations. Stick to Upper Highway Air NPO issue shirts or your own clothing.
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