Engen partners with city and community to green South Durban
Aimed at 'greening' areas close to the refinery, over 450 trees will be planted for this project.
THE South Durban community’s call for assistance to help create safe spaces that are environmentally friendly was heeded by Engen recently.
In partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and local community representatives, the petroleum company officially launched the project on Wednesday, September 22. Its aim is to help green mutually agreed to areas close to the refinery.
The launch was attended by the deputy mayor, cllr Diana Hoorzuk, members of the Parks Department, community activist, Sharin Rajman and Engen’s executive committee members Sykry Hassim, Shirley Moroka-Mosia, and Fiona Gumede.
“Being both national Heritage and Arbour Month, September is an opportune time for South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management for the benefit of all,” said the refinery’s general manager, Sykry Hassim.
The four spaces earmarked for greening in Wentworth and Merebank are Austerville Drive (including the Post Office), Austerville Community Hall, Lylapur Park, Merebank, Raj Mahal, and Natraj Park.
The initiative will start out with 350 spekboom trees and 120 fever trees planted and will include the installations of communal seating spaces.
“We hope tree planting will help improve the quality of life of our neighbouring communities while the 14 eco-lunch benches will provide comfortable rest and relaxation spaces for folk of the area.”
“The main street in Austerville is a corridor to public transport, the hospital, Post Office, and other amenities for many community members, especially the aged and people with disabilities,” Hassim added.
He said established parks in Merebank opposite the community shopping centre and Lylapur Park, which is in the middle of a residential area, were also strategically selected.
“These are located close to residential areas and public transport, while also providing rest areas for residents during their shopping, commuting, and exercise routines.”
“It is Engen’s firm hope that this greening project marks continued sustainable co-creation with local authorities and communities to create further opportunities that enhance the lives of local communities.”
