During the past weekend, AfriForum in conjunction with Amandri Garden Services cleared up the overgrown area on the corner of Trichardt Road and Cradock Avenue in Kloofsig, Centurion.
Andrew Maden, a resident whose house borders the overgrown area, notified AfriForum of the specific area that was an eyesore and which was a hiding place for homeless people due to the thick undergrowth. The area was filled with garbage and human excrement. Handbags and keys were also found there.
In addition, a water leak was also found in this area about three months ago. The municipality was notified of this, and although they sent people to investigate the leak, it was never repaired.
“For six months now, the area has been a headache for residents and a safety and health risk for the area,” says Maden, who approached AfriForum after countless calls and complaints to the municipality fell on deaf ears.
Maden says he thinks it is fantastic that AfriForum acted so quickly and that he hopes the community will notice the work that AfriForum does. “I think this is the future – to tackle things yourself. If we were to wait for someone else to do it, certain things would never improve,” he says.
During the clean-up 22 large trailer loads of refuse was removed.
“This was an excellent action that showcased the power of cooperation in a community. Together we can bring about a positive difference,” says Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Pretoria South.
During October AfriForum will drive various do-it-yourself projects as part of the civil rights organisation’s #YourTown campaign.
Visit www.yourtown.co.za to give AfriForum a mandate to bring about positive change in your community or to become involved.