THERE has been a lot of development since the community improvement project was initiated in uMhlanga in July this year.
The initiative, facilitated by the Upper Umhlanga Security Trust, is aimed at not only improving the security and aesthetics of the community, but also to encourage more public participation, said chairman, Andrew Fraser.
To date, approximately six cubic metres of vegetation, litter and rubble were removed from the site along Egret Lane below the M4, preventing criminals and vagrants from using the overgrowth as a hiding spot.
With the assistance of a local horticulturalist, nearly 900 indigenous plants were also planted at the site.
While many of the plants have been donated towards the project, others were bought from ‘micro-growers’ within local townships. “Our emphasis has very much been on providing an income for people who are struggling to find employment as well as small entrepreneurs,” said fellow trust member and resident, Richard van Heerden.
In addition, the trust has also spruced up an informal community assembly point, often used by workers and school pupils, as a resting spot. “Previously it was just a few rocks that had been dumped at the site. Now it has been designed into a beautiful asset for the community,” said Van Heerden.
“Ultimately the idea behind the project was to create something beautiful, to create a positive vibe in the area and to get more people involved in the community. We hope that this will act as a catalyst for other areas in Durban,” added Fraser.
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