Spruit Day hailed as a success
ALBERTS FARM – Six days straight of alien plants removal for one of the cities flagship parks.
Spruit Day has residents and City workers collaborating to deal with invasive alien plants.
The Friends of Alberts Farm and nearby residents got their hats, gloves and gardening tools together on the morning of 19 October to participate in this year’s Spruit Day. Chairperson of the Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy (FOAFC), Colleen Rood, was extremely pleased with the turnout and work carried out on the day.
Rood explained exactly what the day is all about, “Spruit Day is a community-driven campaign held every year to create awareness about the need for residents to care for the Braamfontein Spruit.”
She said the event was organised by resident associations from all over Johannesburg under the banner of Spruit Day committee.
Spruit Day had begun early at Alberts Farm this year due to the commitments honoured by the City of Johannesburg.”This year has been exceptional, the clean-up was started with over 30 Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) and Extended Works Programme (EWP) workers clearing and cutting alien trees and grasses from Monday to Friday.”
Then on the big day, residents, school learners and members of the conservancy joined in, removed weeds and collected litter. Rood also added that the stream that goes through the park now flows and that the whole Spruit is looking clean.
The conservancy would like to thank all those who participated in the organising and activities of Spruit Day. “The Spruit Day clean-up would not have been as extensive as it has been if it were not for the efforts of Ward 86 councillor Philip Kruger and the staff of JCPZ who organised the EWP workers. Thanks also to JMPD and Joburg Water for being present on Saturday and to Pikitup for providing bags and collecting the rubbish.”
The conservancy pleaded with residents to report any illegal activities at the park. “We appeal to residents to assist in reporting illegal dumping, sewage leaks, noise disturbance, fire, any vagrant habitation and any criminal activity taking place in the park to the relevant authorities.”
The reference number that will be given to the complainant can be forwarded to the ward councillor or Rood if authorities do not respond.
Details: Friends of Alberts Farm Conservancy Colleen Rood colleenrood@gmail.com; Ward 86 councillor Philip Kruger glpkruger@gmail.com
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