Sandton residents associations are preparing for the annual Spruit Day cleanup of the Braamfontein Spruit on 16 September, which is set to be the biggest cleanup yet.
Concerned residents, special interest groups, Scouts and the City of Joburg are mobilised once a year for a day of coordinated effort to clean up the spruit. This involves picking up litter, planting trees, removing alien vegetation and the installation of bollards if necessary.
Spruit Day chairperson and general manager at Uber Exposure, Meghan Perry, said the initiative had been running since 2014, with a growing number of volunteers each year. Uber Exposure was assisting with the management of the initiative free of charge.
“Last year, 17 residents associations and special interests groups got involved,” said Perry. “Each group mobilised their own volunteers to work at the 15 meeting points along the river. A total of 47 trees were planted and bollards were erected in two areas. We had 632 volunteers and hope to grow even bigger this year.”
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They have already upped the interest from residents associations and special interest groups this year to 24 groups.
While this initiative is only one day a year, residents associations are responsible for maintaining the spruit throughout the year. Many associations employ one or two people for the maintenance of the spruit all year round.
“This is a big push to help residents associations in the maintenance of the spruit,” added Perry. “It prevents issues of flooding because of alien vegetation clogging the river. This is an amazing way to meet people who also care about the environment and are passionate about the spruit.”
Details: If you are interested in making a difference for an hour or the entire day, contact your residents association to find out how to get involved or email Meghan on info@uberexposure.com for more information.
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