WARNER Beach resident and nature lover, Cara Niebuhr, has made it her mission to transform a neglected piece of land into a vibrant green space.
The stretch of municipal land on Massey Road, next to the Kingsburgh Welfare and library, which was once an overgrown space plagued by illegal dumping and crime, is being rehabilitated in order to restore safety, pride and beauty.
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Although there have been community clean-ups over the years, Niebuhr, together with fellow resident Neville Hazell and gardener Richard Makhanya, have now officially kicked off the project of clearing weeds, planting indigenous vegetation, and nurturing the park back to life.
“From August 31 to September 1, we planted 720 low-maintenance, safety-conscious plants designed to thrive in the local climate and encourage more bird and animal life,” she said.
Niebuhr’s approach to the park’s rehabilitation is thoughtful and strategic.
“I’ve been working closely with an environmentalist, selecting plants that not only beautify the area but also help stabilise the soil and prevent erosion – much like the vegetation used to protect coastal dunes. Despite receiving no municipal or financial assistance and battling invasive plants, like Napier grass and castor-oil weeds, we have been pressing on with one-third of the park now complete,” she said.
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While working with Tidy Towns Amanzimtoti, Niebuhr said she noticed a lot of community members, particularly the elderly, who were disappointed in the state of the town.
“I take pride in my street and town, so it’s uplifting when people walk past and thank me for my efforts,” she said.
Drawing inspiration from James Q Wilson’s ‘One unrepaired broken window is a signal that no one cares, and so breaking more windows costs nothing’, she is determined to show that small acts of care can spark broader change.
“I hope this will inspire others to take similar action in their neighbourhoods as everyone has the power to make a meaningful change,” said Niebuhr.
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