Opportunities will flow once we clean up

This refuse has accumulated over the years from numerous floods. It comes mainly from the overflow from blocked sewers in the western areas, which then overflows into the storm water drains and ends up in the Swartkops, even though our municipality has installed grid skips in the Middle Street canal.

More than 300 black plastic bags were filled and taken to the tip.

This is the start of a project which could restore the Swartkops River back to an eco-asset for all, as part of the Bettering Uitenhage incentive.

The Niven’s Bridge area could be changed to something like the North End Lake. People could braai, fish, relax, swim and row, making use of the river flow from the Groendal Dam and the two other rivers which flow into it from the Baviaans.

After being renamed "Uitenhage Lake”, the river could be changed into to a sport section as it’s in line with Uitenhage Air Field. But it must be rebuilt, as numerous floods have distorted it, with objects packing together in the middle. This blockage diverts the water to the sides, causing the banks to cave in.

A short distance from that is VWSA. This area could be changed to VW Park, car shapes could be built from river stones similar to the Fifa World Cup balls and the river changed to something like the Wolsburg Canal, where people relax. It would have an added attraction for overseas visitors as well as providing an addition to the new VW sport centre.

The next section is next to the Transnet works where we could once again have a steam train run. The works have the facilities to restore trains and run them. Next to this is Cuyler Manor, and one could tie up with the Despatch Brick Works, which has a narrow gauge rail line. The area at the end of Despatch could be turned into a caravan park and upmarket canal similar to at St Francis.

So, by building these five "pride pockets”, pollution will be prevented, thereby ensuring that estuary is returned to what it should be – safe and environmentally friendly. Hiking trails, boating and B&Bs continuing up to the Baviaans would also contribute to tourism and employment.