Midrand’s Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe led the City of Johannesburg’s cleaning project, A Re Sebetseng, under the Jukskei River bridge on the R55 in Kyalami on 22 June with the help of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and community members.
On the morning of the clean-up, Deppe, community members and JMPD picked up litter and used weed eaters to cut grass under the bridge. Century Property Development security manager Gert Barnard and his team used petrol chainsaws to cut big tree roots and stems clogging and causing the bridge to overflow in rainy weather.
Barnard said that the company does not only develop and people often think developers destroy the area but they take pride in their developments.
“Just like at the beautiful Jukskei River, we come out here and make sure that our tenants and people driving past the bridge can see that it is a prestige development, so we will help council wherever we can to clean up the environment where people make a mess.”
Deppe said that she was not happy with the turnout of people because the task is always big but residents are not interested in coming out to help. “Sadly it is always left to the few. Two hours, once a month, is not a lot to ask. If we can get more hands, it will make the work lighter.”
“So every third Saturday of the month from 8am to 10am, residents should come on board because this is also your environment and you need to keep it clean for yourselves and your children.
“Companies should also bring their staff, it does not have to be on a weekend, it could be every Friday for two hours. Contact me on my cell number, 082 886 8519, and I will join you. You can even donate machinery like chainsaws and weed eaters or adopt an area in the suburb.
“All of this will help keep our streets and open places clean and tidy. Let’s do this together.”
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