The last lap of the erosion project is completed

PARKVIEW – Haslam thanked the gardening committee and various community members who have invested in the project through donations and labour.

February 22, 2022

Sarah Koning 1 minute read

Laurent Cresteil and Mary Ann Donohue get their hands dirty at Zoo Lake. Photo: Sarah Koning

The last lap of the Erosion Project at Zoo Lake was completed on February 18.

The Community Action Day brought together 40 volunteers to get their hands dirty installing gabions and geocell (innovative soil stabilisation and road reinforcement technology) to prevent the banks from eroding.

Nelson Chotsa and Jenny Saunders lend a hand. Photo: Sarah Koning

Chairperson of the Zoo Lake Users Group Fran Haslam said, “I feel quite emotional seeing the culmination of so much hard work at Zoo Lake. This has been a three-year project funded through community donations of plants and finances. I am so proud of what we have achieved with such little resources.”

Janita Ramlal of Maccaferri and Jacky Cresteil of the Zoo Lake Users Committee are pleased to volunteer their time. Photo: Sarah Koning

Haslam thanked the gardening committee and various community members who have invested into the project through donations and labour.

Commercial civil engineer at Maccaferri Janita Ramalal said she grew up attending Parktown High School for Girls and had visited the park regularly after school.

Saxonwold and Parkwood Residents Association green team and Parkview Residents Association green team members work hard at Zoo Lake. Ricardo Rowa, Rodwell Nyamukapa, William Ngwenya, Alfred Ngwiri and Prince Poolo. Photo: Sarah Koning

“When my dad saw the article in the Rosebank Killarney Gazette calling for gabions, I was pleased to volunteer to help with my expertise in gabions and geosynthetics. It feels amazing to see this happening. It’s tough work, but fun to get involved and make a difference.”

Garden committee head Jacky Cresteil said she had goosebumps thinking that the project that began on June 1, 2019, was finally reaching completion.

Vincent le Roux and Brandon Naidoo of Maccaferri volunteer their skills at Zoo Lake. Photo: Sarah Koning

“This project has been a lot of sweat and hard work but I am so proud of what we have achieved. It has been wonderful to see the faith that the community has had in our vision and the beautiful results here,” said Cresteil.

Litter pickers of the City of Joburg lend a hand at Zoo Lake. Dexter Nyamusara, Alex Nyasulou, Rida Sambo and Bicdon Chazima. Photo: Sarah Koning

Marcelle Ravid, who served as ward councillor for the Zoo Lake area between 2000 and 2010, said it was remarkable to see the difference that the team had made.

Zoo Lake Users Committee members Elsabe Burnett, Matodzi Tshidzumba and Tracy Davies are excited about the results of the erosion project. Photo: Sarah Koning

Ellit Oliver and Laurent Cresteil have fun working at Zoo Lake. Behind them, white geocell is installed. Photo: Sarah Koning

“When I was a councillor here, the park was full of duck poo and mess. The banks were so badly eroded. When I came back here with the Sapra [Saxonwood and Parkwood Residents Association] a few years ago, I couldn’t believe the amazing difference that had been made. I take my hat off to Fran and the team. This was a huge undertaking. They have really contributed to the city and I hope they recognise that,” said the Orchards resident.

ALSO READ: