NPO helps the Olievenhoutbosch community band together for the environment
OLIEVENHOUTBOSCH – Residents joined a clean-up initiative to tackle the issue of public dumping in waterways.
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Fresh, a non-profit organisation, held a clean-up campaign in Olievenhoutbosch on 29 and 30 March to stimulate and educate the community to clean up and conserve their environment.
The organisation assisted the community to clean up waterways and facilitate the more efficient removal of waste and recycling projects. Residents came in their numbers and joined the clean-up initiative to tackle the issue of public dumping under bridges, in wetlands and rivers.
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CEO of Fresh, Willem Snyman said they wanted to transform one of the wetlands, which was now a communal rubbish dump site, into a beautiful community park. He added that they also wanted to plant trees and establish an organic permaculture vegetable garden.
“We normally try to do the clean-up campaign every month because it feels like we can bring lasting and positive change to this community by helping to clean up their waterways and improve their health,” he said.
Snyman added that the community was responding well so far by participating.
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Resident Selina Mofetudi said she was really concerned about their health and she was pleased to lend a hand in the campaign to bring positive change in her community.
“The issue of public dumping is really affecting our community because certain people dump in the river and it is not healthy as people, particularly children, can get diseases such as tuberculosis,” said Mofetudi.
Another resident, Pashy Khoza added, “Rivers are important not just for people but also for animals because the water that we drink comes from the river so it is vital to keep it clean for conservation.”
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Snyman concluded that the community did a very good job and they were looking forward to the next clean-up initiative.
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