Taking ownership of greenbelt
STRUBENS VALLEY – Residents of Little Falls and Strubens Valley have vowed to take ownership of the greenbelt in the area.
Cleaning up and securing the greenbelt in Strubens Valley is what Lifco, the local resident’s association, hopes will drive safety and a better community lifestyle in an open space of which the residents plan to take ownership.
Lifco, (Little Falls and Strubens Valley Residential Community) aims to establish a safe, fun and sustainable lifestyle in the neighbourhood starting with putting up a fence at the beginning of the greenbelt, adjacent to Christiaan De Wet.
On 24 September, residents around the Strubens Valley Park greenbelt gathered as the first holes for erecting the palisade fence were dug. The fence and greenbelt cleanup will cost the community R44 500. Resident Shaun Niemand sponsored 37 poles needed for the project and he will be overseeing the building of the fence, which will be done by local unemployed people.
“The goal is that, by the end of November, Lifco will not have one cent in its bank account – all of the funds will have been spent in the area,” Hennie Schreuder said. He was speaking on behalf of association’s chairman Reg Mazibuko.
The association is aiming to complete this greenbelt cleanup and erection of the sponsored palisade fence by the middle of October.
Schreuder said he hopes that by taking the greenbelt into their own hands, residents and their children can enjoy the park, knowing it is safe.
Ward 85 councillor Carl Mann will also help to ensure the fence is maintained.
Lifco explained the fence will have a three-metre gate and a pedestrian gate. It will be unlocked every morning and locked again every night by SRT, a local security company. SRT will also monitor cameras in and around the greenbelt once they have been purchased.
Details: 011 039 8776; info@Lifco.co.za
