Municipality to develop sports grounds

The municipality is set to spend a staggering R3-million in 2016 on the development of sport facilities in Newcastle.

The money will be divided between two projects.

R1.5-million will be allocated to an indoor cricket pitch in Fernwood, while the remainder will be spent on the construction of a netball court at oSizweni Sport Stadium.

Director for Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries, Vish Govender, did not divulge why the two areas were identified for development, but he was enthusiastic about the decision.

“Both projects are in terms of our integrated development plan and construction is expected early next year. We are currently scrutinising the engineer’s drawings and the bid process,” he said.

The development project has, however, been met with sceptisim.

“Why spend R1.5-million on an indoor cricket pitch, when cricket enthusiasts have been begging and pleading to upgrade the current outdoor facilities?” asked Quentin Ferreira, a member of the local cricket association.

He said while some work had been done, the grounds still lacked proper equipment.

“We have been battling for years to get the cricket grounds to a decent standard. While the indoor pitch may be a good thing, the municipality needs to prioritise.”

The groundskeeper was not trained to lay a proper cricket pitch, nor was there enough lighting for night games, he continued.

“We need another light at Paradise Sport Grounds, as fielders cannot always see where the ball is at night.”

The condition of pitches was also not entirely up to standard.

“I am a sport lover and fully support sport development to keep the youth off the street, but the municipality should first get the outdoor cricket facilities 100 per cent, before focusing on other things,” Mr Ferreira passionately said.

Cricket players dreamed of getting the cricket grounds to a standard where teams would be able to compete against teams from other towns, he continued.

“We would love to play at a competitive level, but our grounds are nowhere near the level where they should be. It is sad that we have to struggle like this,” he concluded.