GALLERY: Weltevreden koppie clean-up initiative
WELTEVREDEN PARK – Residents help clean up the polluted and neglected area.
The Panorama Resident’s Association hosted a koppie clean-up initiative on 15 August. This initiative started five years ago where residents had come together to clean up a koppie in Weltevreden Park, which was polluted and neglected.
First time participant, Sherley Sewnarian said, “It feels great to be involved in my community.” A member of the Church of Jesus Latter Day Saints Geils Bibb volunteered to help clear unwanted weeds and other vegetation cluttering the area. “I’m here today to make a difference in our community, I believe it is important to help out where possible, ” Bibb said.
A handful of eager children also came to join in this initiative with their parents and did not hesitate to get their hands dirty. Rachel Bibb (10) was excited to help her dad carry tools used to cut deteriorated trees from the koppie. While Nompumelelo Dubazana (5) helped transport wood in a wheelbarrow.
Residents and volunteers from The Church of Jesus Latter Day Saints in Johannesburg often participate in church initiatives that benefit the community.
Members from Beagle Watch Armed Response were also present to help out along with other members of their community. Security guard Melusi Lukhele believes this kind of activities bring residence together and help them identify where criminals may be operating in the area.
Chairperson of the Panorama Resident’s Association Jon Rosenberg highlighted the importance of residents being proactive in building a safer and cleaner community. “Our resident’s association started a WhatsApp group to give the community the opportunity to report crime in the area and emergency issues. Since the groups were implemented, crime has dropped in the Weltevreden area,” he said.
Rosenberg would like to thank the companies who contributed to making the event possible, members of Church of Jesus Latter Day Saints, regional director of Region C of the City of Johannesburg Mlamleli Belot, Joburg City Parks and Zoo and Pikitup for their co-operation and assistance.
