Adopt a Spot: Let's take ownership

GEORGE NEWS - Georgians can now adopt a piece of town. Yes, you or your business can help keep public spaces in George and surrounds clean, neat, beautiful and functional, or help preserve our natural environment.

Called the Adopt a Spot programme, the aim is that residents will take ownership of the beautiful area we call home and help the municipality overcome ecological degradation, illegal land use, illegal dumping, criminal activities and lack of safety in public open spaces.

The hope is to establish partnerships between the applicants and the municipality whereby adopters will assist in the maintenance and upkeep of their "spot" within a given time frame, at no cost to the municipality.

The municipal spaces that can be adopted are zoned "open space" or "undetermined" and include illegal dumping sites; recrea-tional parks and facilities; public squares and parking areas; rivers, wetlands, flood plains, ridges and mountains; any dilapidated area zoned for such purposes; any unused road reserves and road medians; public or municipal servitudes; and any other property that the municipality may identify from time to time.

The purpose of the partnership agreements is that applicants will use, control or manage their spot to maintain and enhance its functionality.

However, it does not give the adopter exclusive right of use, control, or management over their spot.

If this appeals to you, please approach the municipality to adopt your spot. The policy is available on the George Municipality's website.

Download the application form here.

Enquiries or requests for more information can be directed to Nosidima Vumindaba at nvumindaba@george.gov.za or on 044 802 2900 at the Parks and Recreation department.

Before: George Municipality cleansing department and members of the public cleaned the previously illegal dumping spot on the corner of Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Gcakani Street.