The ‘Groenstrook Gabbas’ was founded about three years ago by residents near the green strips in Secunda.
Rika Lamprecht, who owns a recycling business, decided to step in and cut the grass in a part of the green strip near her house and to change the black bag of one of the bins in the green strips.
Cyclists who saw her working in the green strips would stop and ask how they could help her to make the green strips look cleaner and better.
Others in the neighbourhood decided to pitch in and contribute as well in keeping the green strips clean and they decided to call themselves the ‘Groenstrook Gabbas’ and this group was officially formed and registered as a non-profit organisation (NPO).
The ‘Groenstrook Gabbas’ now replaces all the black bags of the bins in the green strip weekly and cut the grass as far as they can.
They appointed four workers who work in the green strip once a week.
Some of the expenses the ‘Groenstrook Gabbas’ has to cover, are wages for the workers of R280 per worker per week, black bags, fuel for the lawnmowers and the servicing of the equipment they use to keep the green strips clean and tidy.
One of the group members, Werdich Smit, said anybody can be part of the ‘Groenstrook Gabbas’ as it is a community project.
“Our vision is to create a safe and tidy space for our children and for the future of the community,” said Smit.
For more information, visit the group’s Facebook group namely Groenstrook Gabbas where they often post updates and photos or contact Smit on 084 407 9462 or send an email to groenstrookgabbas@gmail.com.
If you want to make a contribution, pay money into the account: Groenstrook Gabbas NPO, Absa Bank, Account number – 410 194 8391, Branch code – 632 005.
