On September 19, residents, business representatives and civic organizations in South Africa are invited to take part in another cleanup of the Happy Valley coastal park in Gqeberha. The event, as part of Tourism Month and initiatives for International Coastal Cleanup Day, is being planned by the Port Elizabeth Hotel Group, Daily Maverick reports.
Restoring the park
A previous large-scale community cleanup at the park was held in July for Madiba Day. Hundreds of volunteers cleared overgrowth, repaired damaged infrastructure and restored a pond filled with rubbish.
Happy Valley stretches from Humewood Beach toward the former Telkom Park. The park was once a well-known family destination on the seafront, featuring installations inspired by fairy tales and nursery rhymes, illuminated pathways and attractions. According to the publication, it fell into disrepair due to years of neglect, vandalism and safety problems.
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Port Elizabeth Hotel Group representative Tiffany Naidu said the July cleanup demonstrated the scale of work still to be done. The restoration has been divided into stages; the group is currently focusing on the section from the ocean to the first green gate.
Volunteer gathering
Unlike the July event, there will be no formal partners for the September cleanup. According to Naidu, the organizers want to involve the broader local community in the initiative. Participants are invited to come with their families, friends, colleagues or neighbors.
The gathering will take place on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 to 13:00 under the bridge near the first green gate in Summerstrand. Volunteers will be provided with gloves, black rubbish bags and sanitizer. The municipality has also deployed 17 law enforcement officers along the seafront through the Mandela Bay Development Agency.
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