EDITOR – Ward 33 Councillor Graham stated recently that the city “has budgeted for the refurbishment of Umbilo Congella.” So instead of, as suggested by UCPF Chairman Ben Madokwe, revamping this sports facility for use by the local middle and upper class communities, who have easy access to other soccer facilities, would it not make more sense to turn the derelict property into a shelter/rehab/outpatient/upliftment centre?
The rehab component could be administered and operated by a reputable organisation with a proven heroin-addiction treatment track record, such as Chatsworth's Anti-Drug Forum, supported and funded by the state. The adjacent King Edward Hospital could be used for the necessary five-day detox period and other medical requirements such as drug screening, while the facility's location on both bus and taxi routes, would permit easy access for outpatients to be treated with the anti-craving medication – Naltrexone, plus receive counselling.
Everyone knows one of the main drivers of substance abuse is hopelessness, often through unemployment, extreme poverty and its associated loss of dignity. So once in rehab, give the people work and hope. The sports club's grounds are large enough to support labour intensive initiatives such as permaculture, recycling and art workshops. Local businesses should put their money where their mouths are and support a real anti-crime initiative – donate equipment, aid with skills development and provide financial support for the centre. It would cost a lot less than replacing copper cables each week. Products and produce sold by the centre could then supplement operational costs, plus earn those in recovery a small salary.
There are numerous local schools, churches, arts and sports groups amongst the affluent Glenwood community that could assist in providing important skills training such as adult education, arts tuition, music and voluntary counselling.
With the whoonga crisis and ever-increasing poverty and social decay looming ever-larger, we certainly have the need for such a facility, the means to do it, and, it would seem, the budget. Shelters, rehab, skills training and employment would play a much more constructive role in arresting our social degredation than another soccer pitch. If successful, this type of public/private participative pilot project could provide meaningful relief to other similarly beleagured communities.
We must have realised by now we will wait in vain for a state solution. So are are we going to continue slapping bandaids across the gaping tears in our society's fabric, pretending we've 'done our bit' for the community, or are we going to roll up our sleeves and help ourselves by helping others? Is anyone listening?
Vanessa Burger
Umbilo
Letter shortened – Editor
