Slap bang in the centre of Durban, perched on the roof of a concrete building, is a “secret garden” – a green project that’s not only providing locals with food, it’s also teaching them that nothing is impossible
The Priority Zone Pilot Project spans 17 streets covering five square kilometres involving a significant tidying up of city
parks, sidewalks, public gardens and a bustling taxi rank. Charli Denison of the Organic Farms Group based in Glenashley, proudly showed us one of the aspects of the project – an impressive sustainable green building conversion boasting a roof vegetable garden, water management and renewable energy.
“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 rooftop 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, emphasising 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 subsidises the purchase of seedlings.”
Six tanks are used to harvest rain water. Veggies 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 veggies are part of companion planting to keep bugs away. The Top Turf 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 phone 031 368 2599 or visit www.priorityzone.co.za.
Story by Lois Kuhle
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
