SECUNDA – With athletics season well under-way there has been many concerns raised regarding the poor state of the Secunda Stadium.
For athletes it is important to get in as much practice sessions and making use of the stadium facilities prepares athletes both physically and mentally.
A local athlete, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she had been running at the stadium since the age of seven years and is dismayed at the state of the stadium, especially at a time when athletes are meant to be preparing mentally and physically.
“It is very disappointing. We were told that we could make use of the stadium as of Monday, 15 March, but now we are only allowed to use the facilities from Monday, 22 March.
“We are basically been given eight days to make use of the stadium in which to train for the South African Championship that will be taking place on 27 March,” said the concerned athlete.
She said this gave athletes less than a month to practice on tartan.
“We need time to practice and prepare ourselves.
“The state of the facility is bad. When we are able to access the toilets there is always water all over the bathroom floor and toilets are clogged,” said the concerned athlete.
The athlete said most training sessions happen in the afternoons and on most occasions the toilets are closed.
“The take-off board for the long jump pit is so old that it is lifting and the track on the board is peeling off.”
The athletes said they are unable to practice with the hurdles because these are locked away in the afternoons.
“How are we expected to compete and represent not only our town but our province when we do not have the proper facilities and equipment?”
The Ridge Times spoke to Mr Donald Green, acting head of communications for GMM, regarding the frustrations of athletes.
“GMM are aware of the state of the stadium, as well as other municipal amenities, that are in a deteriorating state.
“However, the limitation of the maintenance budget due to the Eskom and Rand Water debts, which have taken a priority due to the impact that non-payment might have an adverse effect on the entire community.
“Also, the low tariffs charged for these facilities do not match the cost to maintain them. It requires subsidisation from other revenue sources that are already limited.
“As the municipality, we are not ignoring this matter, other avenues are considered,” concluded Mr Green.
