Great Cleanup 2013 in Sarkandaugava

Despite the fact that it had been drizzling non-stop since early morning, the cleanup volunteers gathered at the agreed locations in Sarkandaugava to begin the district's cleanup work. The greatest activity was on the bank of the Sarkandaugava stream, where the Aldaris company had also set up a tent and its employees actively joined in raking old leaves, cutting back bushes, and collecting various household waste and rubbish. Raincoats, gloves, water, and crisps had been provided.

Several Sarkandaugava residents were also busily at work here, having been invited this week by the Sarkandaugava Development Society through posters put up throughout the district to tidy their neighbourhood. In total, around 70 volunteers worked here.

No less activity was taking place at Alekša Square. Just as on the bank of the Sarkandaugava stream, an information board was erected here too, with a walking route, information about historic buildings, and other notable sites in the district.

Under the guidance of landscape architect Ilze Rukšāne, an experimental garden took shape on the bank of the Sarkandaugava stream, next to the newly installed board and benches. Wheat, lupins, and sunflowers will be sown there, using the plants as eliminators of soil, water, groundwater, and sediment contamination. This is one significant step towards cleaning up the Sarkandaugava stream and its banks from the pollution caused by the industrial and petroleum product storage companies in this district.

The third location where environmental cleanup took place was Aldara Park, next to the Dauderi Manor Museum. Here the cleanup volunteers were representatives of the Reform Party, led by Inga Antāne, candidate for the post of Riga mayor. Meanwhile another political party - Vienotība - distinguished itself with originality by arriving to the volunteers and presenting a framed certificate of appreciation signed by Sarmīte Ēlerte and Solvita Āboltiņa.

Overall, after the cleanup there remained a feeling of satisfaction when casting one's eyes over what had been accomplished, and also examining future project plans envisaging the development of Sarkandaugava and improvement of its environment, in which the district's residents and their demands for a clean, modern environment conducive to physical and mental health, while also rich in historical heritage, are the priority.