SEBOKENG. – A community initiative that began without any funding has flourished into a significant project in Zone 7, Sebokeng.
The initiative involves the cleaning of the polluted stream between Zone 7 A and Zone 7 B (Ward 37 and 38), which was initiated by the Tswelopele Ya Setjhaba Sa Afrika, a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), in 2019. What started as a community effort has now been embraced as a government project. The stream, which runs through Zone 7, down to Evaton, and out to Orange Farms, was previously a source of numerous problems during the rainy season.
Overgrown weeds, rubbish, and sand blocked the flow of water, leading to flooding in nearby houses. Additionally, the stream became a hotspot for crime, with criminals using it as a hiding spot after robbing community members.
Employment opportunities have been created through an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) project initiated last November. Thirty-two individuals, mostly women, are currently engaged in cleaning the stream as part of this project. Contracts spanning twelve months have been signed by the team, indicating a commitment to ongoing maintenance and improvement of the stream.
Stephen Nhlapo, the team leader, expressed hope that the government would continue to support their efforts and extend their contracts beyond the current project. He emphasised the importance of community and government collaboration in addressing communal challenges and initiating further development projects.
Community members have shown appreciation for the project’s impact. Johannes Toti, residing along the stream, noted a reduction in rubbish dumping and expressed relief that flooding would no longer be a concern. Innocent Ndlovu, a business operator along the stream, commended the project members for their dedication to community welfare.
“We need more people like them, people who care about the community. People who have the interests of the community at heart. Long may they continue.”
Looking ahead, the team aims to expand its efforts to encompass various other community development projects, including road repairs and installing street lights. They remain hopeful that their contracts will be extended, allowing them to continue serving their community and making meaningful contributions to its development.
