Neighbours join forces for a cleaner environment in Signal Hill
Signal Hill neighbours and frequent users with South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers picked up dirt along paths, in Green Point on World Clean Up Day, Saturday, September 20.
Image: Fouzia Van Der Fort
Volunteers from the Green Point community and SANParks rolled up their sleeves and picked up more than 100 bags of litter on Signal Hill during World Clean Up Day, marked annually on September 20.
Volunteers from the Green Point Ratepayers' & Residents' Association (GPRRA), members of South African National Parks (SANParks), local hiking clubs, and frequent visitors met at Carreg Crescent, Green Point, where they collected empty bags and started the clean-up until close to Merriman Road, as far as Glengariff Road.
Liz Knight, GPRRA co-chair, who helps address environmental and social issues in the neighbourhood, said that their presence on the mountain has had an impact.
"Our presence on the mountain helps clean it, maintain it, and encourages more people to be on the mountain safely," she said.
South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers and Green Point residents clean up Signal Hill.
Image: Supplied
Ms Knight thanked all participants, including Ian McMahon, councillor for Ward 115, for his presence and providing the refuse bags; Ann Norsworthy and her husband, who were steadfast supporters of the mountain; Jody Botha and Willian Kleinbooi from GPRRA.
"This team guided most of the group to manage the upper slopes above Merriman and Springbok roads. This time, the team was able to reach as far as Glengariff," she said.
They last met in May to clean up the mountainside near their homes.
Volunteers picked up plastic bottles, diapers, glass bottles, blankets, damaged bank cards, and coat hangers. Some volunteers slid down slopes and picked up packets of dog poo. They also picked up refuse bags containing human faeces.
Anahid Harrison, from Green Point, helps to clean up Signal Hill.
Image: Fouzia Van Der Fort
SANParks spokesperson and manager for the Cape Region, Charles Phahlane, thanked all participants.
"The collaboration with the members of the public, stakeholders, and park rangers to address environmental concerns in Green Point and surrounding areas was truly commendable," he said.
He confirmed that a structure was removed and that 120 bags of dirt were collected, significantly improving the area's overall cleanliness and safety.
"While the turnout was smaller than previous events, the efforts and outcomes were highly productive, covering a wide area, from Carreg Crescent to Springbok Road, with notable progress below the Noon Day Gun," he said.
Mr Phahlane said they appreciated the ongoing support from all partners and residents and look forward to further collaborations to preserve and enhance the beauty of our environment.