Grabouw business community bands together to clean up the Swannie River

Three leading Grabouw businesses have joined forces to tackle pollution in the Swannie River as part of Clean-up and Recycle Month. The river is a vital water source for the community and surrounding farmlands. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports.

- Octavia Avesca Spandiel

Two-A-Day, Oude Molen Distillery and Western Cape Fruit Processors have partnered to fund the 14-week initiative, which began on 15 September at an estimated cost of R200 000.

Six workers from G&P Transport and Maintenance were appointed to carry out the cleanup. They have been equipped with protective gear and tools to safely remove waste.

TOURISM UNDER THREAT

Chris Petzer, group operations director at Two-A-Day, told Farmer's Weekly that the state of Grabouw's environment is affecting both tourism and investment opportunities.

“Grabouw is surrounded by tourism-related industries from cycling and hiking trails to outdoor activities and major events such as Wines2Whales and the Cape Epic. But the town is losing out on revenue because visitors avoid coming into Grabouw; it’s simply too dirty.

Even businesses that could attract tourists are not interested in investing here, because the town is unattractive.