Strathavon community looks out for its own

The residents were hoping that by clearing out at the area and the debris, the flow of the river would improve and the area would be safe and more appealing for residents.

A few dangerous items were discovered among the overgrown weeds. Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip

The residents of Stathavon put their best foot forward to make their community and safer space.

Residents in Linden Street spent the rainy morning of 22 November filling refuse bags with debris and litter from the small riverbank.

The riverbanks, previously highlighted in an article by the Sandton Chronicle in the article Prioritise erosion now [Week ending 20 November, 2020], have become a great concern to the surrounding residents as it continues to erode at a rapid pace. The residents were hoping that by clearing out the area and the debris, the flow of the river would improve and the area would be safe and more appealing for residents.

“It is such a nice area to walk around but residents are sometimes fearful because of the overgrown weeds and the litter around the [riverbanks],” said resident Dhana Evans who spearheaded the clean-up operation.

Sean Williams gets ready to tackle a section of the riverbank. Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip

She added that although the rain did deter some people from participating in the clean-up, many of the residents did come out to fill a few bags. Notable mentions include volunteering hands from CAP Security, Black Tree Security and the Sean Williams Trust who employed a few people in need from Diepsloot to come and help out.

Cedric Mphofela is ready to get into the river. Photo: Chante’ Ho Hip

“It is great to see everyone come together, especially during the rain. I was contemplating postponing the clean-up because of the rain but I am really happy that we didn’t or else we would not have been able to fill up so many bags,” Evans said.