A permanent and sustainable solution to Hoedspruit’s worsening rubbish problem may be on the cards if a local entrepreneur can garnish the support of the whole community and other role players.
Cindy Koen, local business lady and conservation activist, introduced the HERALD to the Marula Conservation project, a private company that operates as a social development project with the focus on conservation, sustainability and empowerment while recycling and disposing of refuse.
The project will not only eradicate the growing refuse problem, but will also create jobs, contribute to conservation through recycling and empower jobless people to create their own income.
A lack of recycling in the area motivated Cindy to open a recycling facility just outside Hoedspruit and within the first two months of operation the facility already processed in excess of 6 tons per month – surpassing all planning estimates.
READ: HOEDSPRUIT: Community cleanup a success
Within months she predicts that the monthly tonnage will increase to 10 tonnes and more.
The whole initiative will create jobs for currently unemployed people who will be empowered to actually run their own small enterprises.
They will also be trained and empowered to expand their scope of activities.
READ: TZANEEN: Stretch your rand by going green and recycling
However, for all these visions and initiatives to materialize, the buy-in of the whole community is essential.
Cindy, who is also an active member of the Hoedspruit Chamber of Commerce, will gladly share details of the project with anybody interested.
She can be contacted on 071 429 7569 or by email on cindy@marulaconservation.co.za
