KLOOF residents have for years voiced their frustrations about the deteriorating state of the Kloof Civic Hall, which has long been in need of refurbishment.

In 2020, the Highway Mail published an article featuring the late ward councillor Tex Collins who at the time advocated for the refurbishment and upgrade of the popular Kloof Civic Hall.

It was reported then that the eThekwini Municipality had allocated a budget of R1.4m towards the project. The budget included the installation of a high visibility fence that would not interfere with the aesthetic of the historical building, as well as a retaining wall.

Following years of public outcry, some progress was finally made in the previous financial year when work started on the hall attending to the bathrooms, drainage issues, the carport repairs among others last year.

Also read: Kloof Civic Hall undergoes R1.4m revamp

“The carport was replaced, painting was done and other repairs were carried out including to the bathrooms and drainage which I had raised as concerns since I first become the councillor in this ward,” said councillor Caelee Laing.

However, despite these improvements, the hall built in 1924 remained in need of major repairs, particularly structural work.

“There are holes on the stage and there are patches all around. I am happy to announce that the newly approved repairs will include replacing of the flooring which has been a problem for a number of years, the outside building, which was previously used as changing rooms and lavatories, will finally be revamped.

“This building has been an eyesore in the centre of Kloof and I have received complaints about it from the first day I was elected as Ward 10 councillor.

It has not been operating for years as it was vandalised.”

Laing explained that the outside building was previously used by those who utilise the field located on the same property as the hall.

“With the building currently unusable, it becomes a problem when the hall is closed while people are still using the field, especially for children who use this field for sports activities.”

Also read: Kloof Scout’s Hall receives new lease on life

According to the councillor, this property is one of the few municipal facilities in the Upper Highway area that includes both a hall and a sports field.

“It is not only used by Kloof residents but also by people from surrounding areas in Ward 10 and surrounding suburbs. It is centrally located and people use it for various activities such as dance classes, meetings and community events.”

This project will be ongoing until the end of April.

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