Residents clean up river

The Riverwel Residents Association (RWRA) initiated the clean-up of parts of the Klein Jukskei River in and around Cockspur Bridge in Weltevreden Park.

Volunteers  joined in RWRA’s mission to clean the area, including Ward 126 councillor Mike Tonkin, who reiterated the importance of keeping the Klein Jukskei River clean.

“The rubbish has to be removed before the rains come and wash everything downstream. That will cause even more pollution problems,” said Tonkin.

“It’s also a good way to bring the community together in a united effort to reclaim their river banks from the people who frequent and pollute the area.” Tonkin, at a sprightly 70, revels in community projects such as these. “Who needs to gym when one gets more exercise doing something like this? It keeps me fit while I do something constructive for my society.”

The Abbott family, also RWRA members and homeowners in Wildebraam Road, cleared a lot of litter from the riverbank behind their home. “It’s a nice way to spend some quality family time on a Sunday morning,” said mom Denise.

Another volunteer, Duncan Hastie, removed more than five full refuse bags of litter.

To thank the volunteers for their hard work, they were invited to enjoy boerie-rolls and refreshments at Matey’s Pub at the Ridge Terrace shopping centre.

“We would love for more residents to become involved in these projects,” said Kevin Thomson, chairperson of RWRA. “But today was definitely successful.”