LIMPOPO – Greater Giyani Municipality expects the refurbishment of the long-stalled Section E Stadium to be completed by April next year, raising hopes that the facility will soon be available for sporting activities after years of delays and complaints from residents.

The anticipated completion date was announced by the head of sports in Greater Giyani Municipality, Cllr Christina Zitha, who was speaking as an acting mayor during a recent municipal imbizo, where she urged community members to protect the project against vandalism and sabotage.

Progressing according to plan

“On our way to this event, we passed by Section E Stadium, a project that is significant to Giyani’s development and the nurturing of sports talent.

“I must tell you that the work there is progressing well and according to plan. We expect the construction of the stadium to be completed by April next year, and we anticipate that people will be able to start using it by then, provided everything goes according to plan,” Zitha said.

Years of delays

The project follows years of delays that left the facility deteriorating, with community members complaining that it had become a haven for criminals.

The rehabilitation, which cost R25 million and started in May this year, is expected to restore the stadium’s functionality and provide a safer environment for sporting activities.

What the refurbishment includes

The refurbishment includes:

• A new soccer pitch fitted with a drag-line irrigation system
• New change rooms and ablution facilities
• Refurbishment of the existing combi-court
• Upgrades to the guardhouse and other amenities

Section E road-paving project

Zitha said the stadium was among the municipality’s projects aimed at improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for local communities, particularly young people interested in sport.

She also highlighted progress on the Section E road-paving project, which she said was proceeding well but would take longer to complete because it was a multi-year project.

The municipality expects the paving project to be completed towards the end of next year.

Call to prevent vandalism

Zitha called on residents to work with the municipality to ensure that both projects were completed without unnecessary delays.

“I need you to work together with the municipality to prevent vandalism or any form of sabotage that could delay the project. If you hear of any plans to sabotage it, please let us know so that we can act quickly to address the issue,” she said.