A SIGNBOARD that has been hanging skew for approximately three years was finally fixed and alien vegetation destroying indigenous plants and trees removed.
These are just some of the issues that Ward 8 has managed to tackle since they decided to embark on clean-up projects under the umbrella of the #GetNelsonMandelaBayWorkingAgain Civic Campaign.
Ward councillor, Gustav Rautenbach, said that it warms his heart how not only residents and members of his team, but also private security companies came together to help the ward with its clean-ups that commenced in December last year.
He explained that they first tackled a public open space in the vicinity of Orleans Road, where the grass was cut and general waste removal took place.
“We also did some work in Outeniekwa Street in Kamma Heights where local gardening business owner, Pierre Landsberg from Garden Projects, contacted me and offered his services to help remove alien vegetation from an open space there,” Rautenbach explained.
“There is beautiful birdlife in the area. Pierre brought his chainsaw and removed all the alien vegetation and also low hanging branches. The waste was removed by the municipality,” he said.
Rautenbach added that they also cleaned the area around a substation in Openbaring Crescent where Landsberg once again offered his services.
“Very recently we spent our Saturday morning cleaning the sidewalk on the corner of Kragga Kamma Road and Circular Drive. What was really inspiring was the fact that Fidelity ADT and Atlas Security Services also jumped in to help, ensuring the safety of volunteers on the side of the road.
“Fidelity ADT even helped remove some of the waste for us and the metro’s Cleansing Department was there too. I have in the meantime also received confirmation that Citywide Security Services will be joining our future clean-ups.”
Rautenbach said that it is amazing that the signboard on the same corner, that has been hanging skew for approximately three years, was also fixed by a team member, Darryl Drimmer.
“This corner was teamwork between Ward 8 and Ward 9. It is absolutely wonderful that the community is working together and putting their hands together like this, because this is all about community pride.
“Residents need to be proud of where they live. It’s nice to clean your neighbourhood. It’s hard work but the more hands we have the more likely we will be able to expand the project and have more and more clean-up projects,” he said.
“There are many residents that walk and jog in the area, and it is wonderful if you can do that in a safe space and in a clean environment. I am hoping that this project will have a snowball effect and that more businesses will become involved.”
The ward wants to do at least one project per month and plans on having their next clean-up on Saturday, March 4.
Anyone who would like to get involved is urged to send their contact details and addresses to the ward office via email at ward8@mandelametro.gov.za.
“They can indicate that they would like to form part of the clean-up and I will add them to a WhatsApp group where all information regarding the project will be relayed,” said Rautenbach.
