Durban - Volunteers have been out and about along Durban beaches, picking up litter that the sea had spat out following heavy rains and flooding last week.
As soon as the weather permitted, volunteers headed to the beachfront in a quest to restore beaches to their former glory.
Over the weekend, Tsogo Sun Hotels volunteers were along the northern beaches, collecting litter.
#KZNFloods #beachcleanup Thank you to our wonderful people for playing your part during this challenging time. Our thoughts are with all the affected communities. #TsogoVolunteers pic.twitter.com/uvt2ySU76y
— Tsogo Sun Hotels (@tsogosun) April 16, 2022
On Thursday, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (Saambr) reported that the progress on the beach clearing was phenomenal.
Saambr said it had been incredible to see many people working together to remove plastic bottles from the Durban beaches.
“The concerned citizens, pickers and members of NGOs have been supported by the various municipal departments in removing more than half of the plastic bottles brought down after the recent heavy rains,” Saambr said.
“Amongst the plastic bottles are layers of household plastic of varying shapes and sizes.”
Gabby Harris said: “When I initially started collecting ‘litter’ off the beach this morning, I assumed it was all litter until I was faced with the reality that a lot of the items were not, in fact, discarded litter, but items of value that had been washed downstream when homes collapsed. I found a lot of kitchen and bathroom items as well as children’s clothing and toys, which was most distressing.”
Saambr added that: “In true South African style, it appears that KZN residents and visitors are lending a helping hand wherever they are able to.”
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