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Deputy mayor to prioritise Caledonian Stadium this year

The project was expected to be completed by May this year.

Newly-appointed Tshwane deputy mayor Nasiphi Moya recently announced the revitalisation of Caledonian Stadium will be a priority this year.

“It’s a project gone wrong. It started in 2017 and we are still talking about it. I think that seven years is long overdue and it has me very concerned,” Moya said.

“We have to deal with the past and present to restore this stadium to its former glory and the vision we had for it. There was a vision behind this project and it can still be alive.

If PSL matches can be hosted here, wouldn’t that be awesome?”

Deputy mayor Nasiphi Moya and officials conducting an oversight visit at the stadium. Photo supplied.

The deputy mayor did not comment on the more than R60-million already spent instead said the matter is before the council and that the metro parted ways with the previous contractor.

Last November MMC for community and social development Peggy De Bruin said the contractor was dismissed for poor performance.

The completion date of May 21 2024 on the construction that began on June 2021 would not be realised because the project is only at 25% completion instead of the agreed 65%.

The contractor claimed a construction industry development board (CIDB) grading of 8, which meant they were supposed to have a cash flow availability of R8-million a month.

This cash flow availability however rarely exceeded R500 000, whereas the average monthly payment was supposed to be R3-million.

EFF members protest outside the stadium. Photo supplied.

During an EFF oversight visit to the stadium last November, the party accused the metro of failing the people on the project and demanding answers for the millions spent.

De Bruin said her department had discussed with the Tshwane budget office, then MMC for finance and other departments to secure funds to advertise a new tender following the approval of the adjustment budget earlier.

Construction could commence in July should funds be available and be completed after 24 months.

EFF Tshwane chairperson Obakeng Ramabodu alleged there was no progress on the project as the site was filled with heaps of sand, long grass and debris that indicated that the refurbishment had long been abandoned.

When Moya visited the stadium precinct, a small group of EFF supporters hurled insults and accusations at her.

Many chose not to speak to the media but rather shouted “we voted for you and are waiting for you to answer us”, “don’t come with your nice English for the media, talk to the people”, “if she doesn’t want to answer us, she must go and not come back” at Moya.

A police escort acted as a barrier between the supporters, Moya and city officials.

EFF members confronting the Deputy Mayor and City officials. Photo: supplied.

Ward 81 EFF chairperson, Majuda Mauwane accused the current administration of daylight robbery.

“We want to hold the corrupt DA and ActionSA administration accountable. They must either fix this stadium or build us a new one. We feel robbed because this stadium was supposed to bring jobs and opportunities and now our people are roaming the streets doing nothing,” Mauwane said.

Moya welcomed their feedback.

“The EFF must continue what they are doing, it’s their job to be the opposition and hold us to account. When we don’t listen in council they must go to the media, this is what they do and it is expected,” Moya said.

“We have to start with a new contractor which is bad news but also gives us a sense of hope looking at a fresh start and clean slate.

In terms of the future, there are two processes, one starts immediately where we will look at the plans of the city and see what is possible,” she said.

She said consultation on the integrated development plan (IDP) was still outstanding.

“On my side, I will lobby to include this project in the IPD so we can go back to this community and ask them for their blessing to include it in our budget and plans for the next financial year,” she said.

Moya said that sport and sports development are key to South Africa and that the metro wants to develop skills.

“A lot of talent has come from the city and we look to develop the next Dricus or football star as well as other sports.”

Moya also inspected four early childhood development (ECD) centres in Mamelodi as well as the Lynnwood Road and Marabastad Townlands development projects.

Overgrowing grass at the stadium. Photo: supplied.

Read more: 13 arrested during Operation Shanela in Pta West

 

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