Volunteers flock to rehabilitate eroded banks of Zoo Lake
PARKVIEW – Chair of the Zoo Lake Users Group Fran Haslam said she was bowled over at the positive response from community members.
Over 80 community members volunteered to rehabilitate the previously eroded banks of Zoo Lake on 17 August.
Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Group Fran Haslam said that she was bowled over by the support from the local community who donated soil and plants for the project.
“I am surprised at the brilliant turnout today and see this volunteer day as the beginning of something that will continue for 11 phases. My dream after four years has finally been realised. This project forms part of our vision of possibilities to upgrade Zoo Lake to become a clean, green and beautiful park,” said Haslam.
Chair of the Zoo Lake Gardening Committee Belinda Tapia-Garcia said that she was pleased to see her hard work finally coming to fruition. “After spending weeks digging out plants from overgrown flowerbeds, they are finally going back to mother earth. Hopefully, these plants will bring much joy to those walking here.”
Senior horticulturalists at Joburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) Rose Abdullah said she was pleased about the partnership between the Zoo Lake Users Committee and JCPZ. Various permanent staff and volunteers from the Expanded Public Works Programme were pleased to offer their time to plant plants along the banks. Hessian was also placed on the banks in order to bind the soil with the root system of the new plants so that when the rains come, the soil will not erode into the lake.
Community member Joy Kanter, who worked at the Rosebank Killarney Gazette in 1994, when major developers proposed to develop an entertainment area at Zoo Lake, said she was pleased to return to the facility that she had helped to protect as a green space for Joburg residents all those years ago.
Volunteer Katie Thomas said she was pleased to be involved in the community project since she has enjoyed the Zoo Lake facilities growing up.
Parktown North resident John McPherson said, “I enjoy using this public space and want to contribute to its improvement.”
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