Residents start cleanup action
RIVONIA – Local residents have started a project to clean a strip of the Braamfontein spruit on Brooke Avenue.
A local resident has started a spruit cleanup project to clear the rubbish and overgrowth around the Braamfontein Spruit in Rivonia and has to date cleared about 700m.
The cleanup action started the day after the Metro police conducted a raid to remove vagrants on 16 September.
Invasive alien reeds along the banks of the spruit which were providing cover for the vagrants were removed. Barry Cribb, the resident who started the project said, “I initially financed it myself and have received donations from 13 local residents who in total contributed R40 000 towards further work.
“With support from a few residents we have removed the reeds, planted new indigenous grass seeds and used brush cutters to thin out overgrown vegetation along the banks. There were numerous camps dug into the banks of the river which were concealed and some were becoming permanent structures with corrugated roofing.”
He added that about 10 fires burned each night with about five to seven people around each fire. Human faeces and waste such as empty bottles, paint drums and plastics were found lying around. “We found the plastic surrounds that have been stripped off copper also dumped there,” said Cribb.
The main purpose of the cleanup was to take back the spruit and make it an enjoyable space to be used by everyone without fear for their safety. “It was impossible to walk the banks without treading in filth,” said Cribb.
“With this project, we are not only able to clean up the area, but we are also employing a full-time person to help maintain the area which is a constant job.”
Cribb wants to encourage residents to use the area more frequently and contribute to the ongoing maintenance.
Residents can contact Cribb for more information to donate plants or to make donations toward the project.
Details: barrycribb@skypower.co.za
