POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality this week admitted its responsibility to ensure maintenance is done at the city’s newest stadium.
This after rugby fans attending the weekend’s rugby match at the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex, found the ablution facilities to be in an abhorrent state. Complaints were specifically about the three bathrooms on the ground floor of the main pavilion, meant for female patrons.
Toilets in these sections were blocked and there was only one working tap in each of these bathrooms.
To add insult to injury, these bathrooms had no basins, only taps.
Several supporters, during the match, complained about the water being dirty and one of the bathrooms was in darkness.
No notices were put up warning patrons of faults in the bathrooms.
Shortly before the match on Saturday, even though it had not rained in the city for two days, there were several pools of water in different parts of the stadium.
Spokesperson for the Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo, said the municipal section responsible for maintenance at the stadium will prepare a report.
“We have noted in a serious light the issues raised about the upkeep and maintenance of the ablution facilities at the stadium. The municipality sourced the services of a private company for this function, including replacement of broken equipment. However, it remains our responsibility to do regular inspections to ensure the facilities are of a good standard,” Mothapo said.
He added that it is within the norms that all areas in the stadium should be maintained, hospitable and neat at all times.
“General maintenance is expected to be conducted continuously. Sometimes during events and match days, things get a little out of hand and messy. Normally, areas in the stadium where spectators are not supposed to be at, are kept without light.
“The municipality apologises for any inconvenience and will issue further details once a full report on the matter has been received,” Mothapo said.
