Women take to streets to clean up
A GROUP of elderly women from Colville in Kimberley took matters into their own hands when they cleaned up the streets of their neighbourhood on Friday.
The women, who were equipped with spades and rakes, said that they could no longer rely on the municipality to keep the streets clean.
One of the residents, Katrina Dubois, said that she was tired of seeing the streets in a filthy state.
“We started cleaning last week Monday. The filth in the community was growing at an alarming speed. We have called on the municipal employees to do something but, over the years, nothing has been done. We decided to change the situation ourselves as we are the ones who have to stay in the area,” Dubois said.
Another resident, Patricia Peters, said that the untidiness also “painted a bad picture” of those who live in the area.
“We cannot be seen and judged as people who do not care about their surroundings. We all try to keep our homes neat, but what does it help if when we step outside our streets are filled with dirt and refuse. Those who may visit the area will think that we do not mind staying in such an unhygienic place. The filth poses a danger to the health of everyone staying in the area,” said Peters.
The women said that they will continue to clean the streets and said that they hoped that this will spark more people to take the initiative.
“We cannot rely on government to supply us with everything. One has to make a difference where it is possible. Communities need to take matters into their own hands and supply their own needs where government is lacking,” said Martha van der Westhuizen.