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Pretoria east forum restores parts of Moreleta Spruit
The Pretoria East Community Care Forum (CCF) recently conducted an environmental conservation project focused on restoring the section of the Moreleta Spruit that flows through the “White House” property in Moreleta Park. This initiative aimed to preserve the local ecology and prepare the spruit for the upcoming rainy season.
The once-clear waters of Moreleta Spruit had been contaminated by trash, plastic, and pollutants, posing a significant threat to local species and obstructing flow through nearby culverts. The clean-up effort involved the removal of large amounts of trash, bottles, plastics, and unblocking sand dunes that were obstructing drains.
The spruit, which spans the 17-hectare property on Wekker and Brabham streets in Moreleta Park, had become inhabited by over 120 illegal dwellers who showed no intention of vacating the area. The property, known as the “White House,” was left in good condition by its owner who had moved abroad several years ago but now plans to return and develop the property.
CCF founding director Deirdré van Helsdingen highlighted the environmental degradation of the stream.
She noted that the pollution had led to ecological damage and emphasized the collaborative efforts of CCF workers and the city’s Environmental department in clearing culverts. Van Helsdingen mentioned that the removal of debris and trash from the culverts, along with the cleaning of the river, aimed to restore natural water flow.
Van Helsdingen further emphasized that a clean spruit would facilitate natural clean water flow to other areas.
She described the extensive cleaning process that took place after many years of neglect and mentioned challenges faced, such as the need for face masks due to the strong odors. Van Helsdingen also raised concerns about contamination from people washing clothes in the spruit and stressed the importance of cleaning the surroundings for future development.
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