RENEWING THE ELSIES RIVER
During Water Week, the congregation of St Stephens Anglican Church in Pinelands reflected on water. Rev Rachel Mash preached on the theme of the “River of Life:”
“The water of life, clear as crystal flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, producing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree and for the healing of the nations” Rev 22”2
How can the church be part of protecting and renewing living waters? In the discussion afterwards we discussed the Elsies Kraal river which was canalized many years ago. The concrete canal sends water rushing out to the sea, full of plastic and litter. And so a vision was born – to renew the Elsies Kraal and re-created a living eco-system with plants and life. The dream is that is could become a green belt through Pinelands , restoring the bike lane and becoming a place for people to rest and be restored.
Dr Kevin Winter – who is becoming known as Dr Water! Shared the story of the Friends of the Liesbeek and how they had worked over many years to renew the Liesbeek River . The idea was shared with the local councillor and the ratepayers association.
Regular clean ups will be held – twice monthly.
The Project was launched on the 8th of Sep with a blessing of the river, and a planting of succulen