Westdene Dam receives community cleaning

It was a busy morning at the Westdene Dam on 24 January as members of the Westdene community came together to assist in its monthly clean-up operation.

Chairperson of the Westdene Resident’s Association (WRA) Leon Williams was thrilled at the wonderful turn out. “Basically this whole operation is a brilliant community initiative which is going to bring this community much closer to each other.

Upon arrival, volunteers were greeted by Williams and members of the Westdene Community Patrol. They handed out complimentary gloves and black bags which was sponsored by community members.

Williams said that the community has a big vision for the dam and for its upliftment. They aim to possibly provide equipment, entertainment and functions at the dam in the future. “We want the people of this community to feel absolutely free and safe to utilise the environment,” he said.

Improved play-parks are also being considered for future plans and upgrades to the park. “We also have plans to construct play-parks for the children of the community. These play-parks would cater for children with disabilities and all others,” he said.

Even volunteers from outside the community came to lend a helping hand. Pupils from the John Orr Technical High School were also present to assist the community in the dam clean-up.

Former head of the Westdene Crime Forum Mark Napier was also present at the clean-up and said that this operation was a wonderful opportunity for the community to make positive changes to the dam. “We’ve approached City Parks in the past, and we have asked them to look after this park better, and they have in the last two years. They have done it much better than we expected. But you can still see that the maintenance of open spaces is an issue,” he said.