THERE is a new trolley on the block with the aim of cleaning up and recycling.
It’s all part of an initiative run by non-profit organisation (NPO) Adopt-a-River which sees a dedicated worker help with localised cleaning and greening solutions.
It has been a little over a year since the initiative known as Adopt-A-Trolley was started with one of its goals being to clear rubbish from entering stormwater drains and ultimately our rivers and ocean.
A dedicated trolley has patrolled parts of the area, including Riverside Road in Umgeni Park and Blue Lagoon, where workers in orange work suits ride a custom-made bicycle, with a Tufbag or bulk bag attached to the back.
Related story: Adopt-a-Trolley celebrates a year of fighting pollution
Now, thanks to a partnership with Enviro Fixers Durban North, the Heart of Durban North (a collective of role-players to service the area and the business district) and Kensington Super SPAR, there will now be a dedicated trolley patrolling the Broadway business precinct and other areas in Durban North.
Durban North resident and founder of the Adopt-A-River Janet Simpkins explained how she hoped the project would expand.
“I think there has been a positive response, and the support from all the role-players has made this initiative incredibly successful since we started patrols. Sboniso Erick Lehoma is the dedicated rider in the area, and he’s been doing an amazing job. We’ve been fortunate to have a storage unit in the area where he helps store and sort some of the recyclable material amongst the rubbish he picks up. He has also extended as far down as Waterkant Road with an idea to extend to Whynotte Park. This is now the second trolley in operation, and we feel this targeted approach solves all kinds of local issues, including stormwater waste and general waste. It has now also made cutting and clearing possible with the effective removal with the trolley,” she said.
Enviro Fixers Durban North member Helen Koch said she hoped more businesses in the area supported the initiative.
Also read: Enviro Fixers Durban North urges residents to keep drains clear of litter
“At the moment, despite generous sponsorships from various role-players, we can’t afford to have the trolley operating daily. We are currently doing four days a week for a limited time. We have also been kindly donated a kit and a cellphone. Eric has a designated space at Kensington Square where the collected litter is sorted and recycled and the other rubbish is responsibly disposed of. We are appealing to other companies in the area who would like to co-sponsor the initiative so we can expand his days and range,” she said.
If you would like to support the initiative, contact The Heart of Durban North or Enviro Fixers via their respective Facebook pages.
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