FNB&V Community Cleaners spruce up Fairland

FNB&V Community Cleaners recently took the time to clean up Fairland Koppie, King and Wilson Street Park, Donga Park and Berario Spruit.

Their first clean-up of the year was on January 15 in which a half-ton of waste was removed from the greenbelts. On January 22, they cleaned up Berario Spruit where they targeted areas that had lots of waste and rubbish that had built up due to the abundant rain.

According to Andre Swanepoel, one of the leaders of the group, for the clean-ups they had purchased heavy-duty reusable bags to put the rubbish and litter in, hired trailers and Beagle Watch’s environmental team took the waste to the dump. “Beagle Watch also provided security.” He added that together, they not only cleaned up Fairland and surrounds but have deterred criminal elements from settling in the area.

Swanepoel said the group had been meeting every weekend since October 2021. The group consists of residents from Fairland, Northcliff, Berario and Valeriedene, and they have managed to clear five to six tons of rubbish ranging from litter, to cut cable casings and what they believe to be stolen goods. In its early stages, the group had about 25 members, now it boasts a membership of 80 and growing.

Using their own funds, the group has helped create jobs by hiring labourers, and supported local businesses by renting trailers, buying gloves and the tools required for the task. The group was in the process of registering as an NPO which would allow residents who were unable to contribute their time or were not physically able to, to still be a part of the change.

Details: Andre Swanepoel 084 321 3001 or Hugo Erasmus 081 779 1605.