green issues

“This amazing vision is a public/ private partnership between the Ethekwini Municipality’s City Architect Department and Drake and Scull, a facilities management company,” said Charli as we wandered through vibrant beds of spinach, lettuce, cabbage and herbs, seemingly unnatural above the Durban skyline. But the success of the project, which has inadvertently been changing the behavioral patterns of inner city inhabitants, is there for all to see.

“It’s all about cleanliness, safety and beautification,” continued Charli as we munched on fresh green beans, about to be harvested. “We are teaching people to grow what they eat, it’s food landscaping that offers food security.”

Oddly enough, the roof top garden isn’t the only place with a wide range of edibles, the spotless taxi rank across the road offers a menu of its own.

“Funnily, nothing gets stolen and people have developed pride in their environment and have taken protective ownership of the city,” explained Charli, emphasizing that the bounty is available for the people. “We supply local shelters, school feeding projects and children’s homes with fresh food. We sell some produce to restaurants which subsidizes the purchase of seedlings.”

6 tanks are used to harvest rain water. Veges are grown in tyres, shallow drums and under tunnels.

The Organic Farms Group was responsible for setting up the tunnels which are designed to be low maintenance, practical and affordable. They offer protection from the elements, temperature control and growth is 30% quicker. A worm farm supplies vermiculture and the famous ‘worm wee’! Bright marigolds tucked in between veges are part of companion planting to keep bugs away. The Topturf landscaping group are responsible for the remainder of the rooftop farm, which includes a beautiful succulent garden.

“This green approach also reduces the ambient temperature of the building, plus companies win Green Points and Carbon Trading Credits,” said Charli expounding on the many benefits for buildings and companies to follow their lead.

So whilst COP17 has come and gone, with or without desired results, The Priority Zone has certainly got its priorities right, its people at heart and is blessed with abundance.

For more information: www.priorityzone.co.za

Telephone: 031 368 2599

CHANGE THE SPACE, CHANGE THE ATTITUDE 

Durban's "Facilities Management Priority Zone" comprises an area surrounding the International Convention Centre (ICC), bordered by Stalwart Simelane (formerly Stanger Street), KE Masinga (Old Fort Road), Soldiers Way and Monty Naicker (Pine Street). 

Parks and Streets revamped and maintained by the Priority Zone:

Gugu Dlamini Park (previously Centrum Park)

Medwood Gardens

Church Walk

Loco Plaza

Pesoa Square

Old Fort Place

Soldiers Way

Stalwart Simelane Street (Stanger Street)

Wyatt Road

Walnut Road

A.B. Xuma Street (Commercial Road)

Palmer Street

Union Street

Monty Naicker Road (Pine Street)

KE Masinga Road (Old Fort Road)

Braam Fisher Road (Ordinance Road)

Prior Road

Dr Pixley Kasema Street (West Street)

Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street)

Dorothy Nyembe Street (Gardiner Street)

Samora Machel Street (Aliwal Street)

Durnford Road