After several safety- and security-related incidents along Pieter Hugo Street in Courtrai, the area’s neighbourhood watch launched a project to clear the bush on the pavement and against the fence between Pieter Hugo Street and the N1.
This bush has been used by criminals as a hiding place and an escape route.
The labour for the project was sourced from Paarl’s Monte Christo Miqlat “Full Circle Programme”.
This provides part-time job opportunities for homeless people. In addition, Courtrai Neighbourhood Watch Members and residents volunteer their time and services.
During the project tree undergrowth was cleared, bushes trimmed and litter collected over nearly 300 m from Courtrai Primary School to Knus restaurant.
Drakenstein Municipality was assisting with provision of refuse bags, removal of solid waste and chipping and removal of cut vegetation.
This past Saturday saw Miqlat’s management, a mayoral committee member from the Drakenstein Municipality and three generations of a Courtrai family roll their sleeves up and join other volunteers, old and young alike, in the clean-up.
This project is an example of what is possible if communities and local authorities came together with a common goal. The result is a win-win situation in which all stakeholders benefit.
The next step is to find ways of replacing the fence along this stretch. It has fallen into a state of disrepair mainly due to theft and vandalism.
The Courtrai Neighbourhood Watch would like to thank all who contributed and got involved.
