FROM DUMPING SITE TO FOOD GARDEN
THANKS to the initiative of a UWC social work researcher, pavements that have become dumping grounds for dirt and rubble in the informal settlements of Fisantekraal and Greenville in Durbanville are being turned into thriving community food gardens.
Post-doctoral research fellow Dr Rissa Niyobuhungiro studies community behaviour and perceptions around illegal dumping. This is a pilot project that also monitors whether “beautifying the area” would curb illegal dumping and one that fills her with hope.
“It’s one of those projects which I didn’t choose; it chose me. Such projects taught me to engage with people of different cultures and I realised that everybody on this earth is able to do something good. “But in some cases, the circumstances and opportunities and knowledge may be a challenge. Since then I regularly ask myself: if I had to be that person, how would I feel? What would I do to overcome that challenge?” Niyobuhungiro said.
The garden was launched on March 16 and is located in a small area next to the sports field in Lord’s Walk. It is an area specifically chosen due to the ongoing illegal dumping in this spot.
The idea is to plant spinach, carrots, beetroot, celery, potatoes, butternut, onion, garlic, bush beans, cauliflower, cabbage herbs and lemon trees.
Several organisations are joining her efforts to transform these areas, including the Mosselbank River Conservation Team (MRCT), whom she has worked with closely since 2019.
“When I started planning for an implementation stage of the project, I thought of a vegetable garden.
“I approached the MRCT team through their manager, Danielle
Cronje, who is a great supporter of this project and many others in Fisantekraal,” she said.
Once well-established and successful, she would like to see the project replicated in other areas.
So far, the results are positive. It started with a small number of initial volunteers, but more are joining and many have taken the principles behind the garden into their own lives.
“Those involved water the garden, remove weeds and the garden itself attracts more people. There is a positive change in behaviour since the launch of the garden. Most participants have started gardens at their homes.”
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