Cuttings Beach tide of pollution a cause of concern
Shocked, appalled and disgusted. That is the impenitent description of what has become of Cuttings...
While community clean-ups are currently prohibited due to lockdown restrictions, the #CleanBlueLagoon team are hoping to host a clean-up in February. THE #CleanBlueLagoon movement continues with new organisers taking over from founder, Dale Johnson who stepped down from his role recently. Durban North resident, Janet Simpkins of Adopt-a-River is joined by Durban resident, Dominic Naidoo as the new organisers.
Simpkins said she is happy to continue the community-centred approach behind the #CleanBlueLagoon initiative.
“It’s a community movement. It promotes regular community involvement in beach clean-ups. Dale has asked for us to oversee the community clean-ups. We are hoping that by 3 February, we can start hosting community clean-ups again,” she said.
Beachwood Mangroves, where #CleanBlueLagoon operates, is currently closed to the public, said Simpkins.
“We have to respect their decision. We will look at kicking off the next clean-up. The clean-ups will always be organised in the mangroves. We have to wait until the nature reserve is open,” she said.
While Adopt-a-River has a permanent team, #CleanBlueLagoon involves the community. “It’s nice to be involved in a community initiative where the community can engage once a month,” said Simpkins. “The rains always brings more waste, it’s an ongoing issue,” she added.
Dominic Naidoo, a local tour guide and owner of Travel Bug Tours, said the clean-up is usually from 8 am until 11 am.
“We are asking people to support where they can, even if they just to come at 8 am and leave at 8.3 0am- you don’t have to come for the full three hours,” he said.
“We are seeing a lot of polystyrene and plastic, especially cooldrink bottles,” added Naidoo.
For more information, follow #CleanBlueLagoon on Facebook.