From trash to food
IVORY PARK - The departments of health and environmental health launched an organic food garden project at the Eco Village community centre in Ivory Park.
The garden site was previously a pond which the community used for illegal dumping. Region A environmental health practitioners identified the area and engaged the community to eradicate illegal dumping by creating a food garden.
Deputy director for health in Region A, Nelly Shongwe said, “This project will address illegal dumping that has been a challenge at the centre, and the food garden will also benefit eco villagers. It is important for the community to take ownership of the project and be committed to seeing it grow.”
Environmental health manager, Jacques Scholtz planted the first seedling in the new garden.
Auxilliary services operations manager Jan van Niekerk said, “Organic food gardens are important, but community members must nurture the plants on a daily basis for the garden to yield good produce.”
PR councillor Julia Gololo thanked community members present and their involvement, “We also want to thank the support and involvement of staff from Pikitup, Johannesburg Roads Agency and the regional directors office representatives.”
Environmental health practitioner, Sharlene Moshidi said illegal dumping posed health, safety and environmental risks. “Dumping attracts disease bearing flies and rodents, especially children who may play on dumps.”
The practitioners’ team leader Andre Lourens said, “I am happy with the success of the food garden launch, especially after the team were hands-on in covering the pond with sand.”
