Litter and illegal dumping are massive problems throughout Roodepoort, which is why the various wards have been taking it upon themselves to clean up where they can.
Three clean-ups were held in the Roodepoort area on Saturday, 19 October, one being in Ward 83. This clean-up, at Manie Mulder Adventure Park, was held as the first step on a long list of improvement plans for the park. The clean-up was attended by Ward 83 residents and community groups; councillors Florence Roberts, Leah Knott, and Vasco Da Gama; Joburg Water; the Roodekrans Neighbourhood Watch’s conservation group; the Johannesburg Roads Agency; Pikitup; City Parks; Coca Cola, and so many more.
Manie Mulder Adventure Park has deteriorated over the years due to neglect and lack of maintenance and security. Not only has the quality deteriorated, but the lack of sufficient security has proved dangerous. The plans to improve the park will make the beautiful area a place that can, once again, be enjoyed by residents.
“We want to highlight this hidden tourism gem and encourage our residents to enjoy the beauty of this park in our very own ward,” said Ward 83 councillor, Florence Roberts.
The day started at 8.30am and continued through to 12pm. Drum majorettes opened the event by welcoming everyone with a spectacular routine before the hike to the waterfall picnic area commenced. The clean-up crews used the hike to prune trees, pick up litter along the stream, and remove harmful alien vegetation. After the hike, the lapa was cleaned and the steps leading up to it were given a new coat of bright yellow paint. Children from the Baby Moses Centre focused on the stream, even getting into the water to clean up the litter.
The Sugarbush Ridge Coalition group presented an extremely interesting talk on the importance of protecting the indigenous flora and fauna in the area. Coca Cola did its part in keeping the participants hydrated by providing refreshments.
Despite the heat, there were smiles on every face – they had taken part in the cleaning up of a beautiful piece of land, and have now become starting participants in the plans to highlight the park’s best features.
