JUST a year ago, Wentworth was introduced to the Adopt-a-Spot site and verge programme, aimed at beautifying dumping sites into creative spaces. Implemented by the ward 68 Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) executive secretary, Neil Axford, in partnership with the South Durban Basin offices, Durban Solid Waste and the Department of Parks and Recreation, the programme has gained momentum, turning the area greener, one spot at a time.
“Last year the community members adopted two sites. To date, the programme has adopted five sites and the Adopt-a-Spot programme team has been welcomed by the churches, NGOs and youth centres and community members,” said Neil.
To commemorate this green milestone, another spot was adopted and cleaned behind Wentworth Primary School on Austerville Drive with a team that is growing exponentially.
“Beautiful green spaces have been created at Victor Lawler and Eksteen Roads, Austerville Post Office, Austerville Drive, Blue Roof Life Space as well as the parks on Rooks and Teak Roads. These sites have been transformed from dumpsites to beautiful creative spaces. Toxic absorbent trees have been planted on these sites to cope with the chemical pollution the community faces. The success of this programme lies in the passion, the commitment and will to change the landscape of Wentworth by its green fingers leaders,” he added.
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To date, ward 68 OSS stakeholders, including the Roads Department and Toyota Bushuku, provide support in manpower and resources, while the green fingers teams have drafted concept documents on their vision’s implementation. Their mission is to get more sites adopted by those who wish to do so. “The Adopt-a-Spot programme allows community members to become the custodians over these sites through a memorandum of agreement with the municipality,” Neil said.
“Creating beautiful spaces has many benefits. The property value of houses increases, there are less social ill activities taking place at these sites, they assist in chemical pollution by absorbing toxic chemicals creating beautiful friendly spaces for our youth to enjoy and play. By giving the community members the custodian over these sites, it allows these community members to implement their own vision on these sites according to the needs of that community. As the programme grows, the team plans to host an awards ceremony on a yearly basis for the best site in ward 68,” he added.
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