Lack of funds halts construction of north sports complex
The sports complex was expected to be completed in April, but completion was halted due to a lack of funding.
The completion of the multi-purpose sports complex in the Orchards, north of Pretoria, is in limbo due to a lack of funds.
The installation of fencing and artificial grass had been halted.
A private company, Esor construction, earlier this year announced that it had donated two portions of land and about R500 000 in response to ward 4 councillor Ridge Petersen’s pleas to increase the number and sports and recreational facilities in the area.
Esor construction managing director Warren van der Vyver said: “The city and the councillors have been unable to secure donations for the facilities to be completed.
“We simply donated the land and carried out the necessary earthworks for the facility,” Van der Vyver said.
Tshwane metro told Rekord that it would not be contributing towards the multi-purpose facility.
“The city has not allocated any funding to it but has endorsed the project,” senior executive: support specialist for community and social services Marius Redelinghuys said.
“The project is a privately-driven initiative by Esor construction.”
Redelinghuys said no new facilities would be constructed in the region for the 2018/19 financial year.
“There are, however, two social development centres being constructed (and nearing completion at this stage) in Mabopane and Winterveldt, which will each include an early childhood development centre and facilities for older persons to engage in cultural and recreational activities,” he said.
The would-be sports complex, which was set to be completed in April 2018, is currently being used by local residents to play soccer and exercise, despite the artificial grass not being installed.
The sports complex was meant to feature a multi-purpose court for netball, basketball and volleyball, as well as an outdoor gym and park which was hoped to feature an educational centre.
In May, mayor Solly Msimanaga announced that millions of rands were dedicated towards sports and recreation in the city.
“I feel it is important to ensure that the city promotes an environment and events where people can engage in sporting events,” he said.
About R5,5 million was said to have been dedicated to sports and recreation programmes.
“This will go towards supporting events which will get our people active and healthy,” Msimanga said.
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https://rekordnorth.co.za/119776/mmc-endorses-new-north-sports-complex/
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