KEEPING IT CLEAN

AGroenekloof Road resident has taken the initiative to maintain the “no man’s land’ area along the railways tracks in Groenekloof Road.

For the past two years, the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been clearing the overgrown area alongside the railway line on Groenekloof, at her own cost, using her own resources and labour.

What inspired the idea, she says, was a community security group initiative to clear the railway for security purposes when the family first moved to the area.

The family however, has continued to maintain the space and got permission from Transnet, which owns the land but has no interest in maintaining it, to chop down the alien invasive gum trees, especially after one tree fell on a neighbour’s roof after a storm.

In its place, she planted hardy, low maintenance plants, and also appealed to the community to donate any plants for the area.

She said she has received lots of plants from people, and is appealing for more. Despite it being all at her own expense, she said she is happy the task is also creating employment as she employs her gardener and his nephew three days a week to neaten up the area.

“I just want to create a positive vibe in the community, and I’m glad it can create employment at the same time. It is possible, if we all take responsibility for our areas and commit to maintaining them.”

The area requires low growing, hardy plants that are low maintenance and don’t require irrigation. If you can help keep the Groenekloof railway area in a pristine condition, you are welcome to donate plants and she will supply the labour. Contact her on 082 893 3320 to arrange a drop off.