Margate Bowling Club battles neglect ahead of major tournament
Flood damage, fading membership and unanswered questions plague the club.
Margate Bowling Club president Yvonne Bausek has voiced frustration over the state of the club’s surroundings and ongoing infrastructure issues.
This includes an unrepaired sewage pump station that has remained in disrepair for more than six months.
“This is the mess that has been left here for more than six months. It was supposedly repair work after the floods on April 14 last year,” said Bausek.
Despite the challenges, the club is preparing to host the 20th Doug Watson Memorial Tournament this weekend (25th and 26th), which will attract about 120 players, many from up-country.
“We will have a big problem trying to get enough parking space,” Bausek said.
She said the club had been closed for six months after last year’s floods and is still trying to recover amid declining membership and lack of municipal maintenance.
“We have tried unsuccessfully to find out who we can contact about the National Disaster money that has been paid out,” she said.
Margate Bowling Club was one of only three green clubs in the area, alongside Scottburgh, and previously hosted all national tournaments for the region.
While Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has renewed the club’s lease for another 10 years, it is now responsible for its own insurance and maintenance.
“We try to keep it in as good condition as possible, but it’s an uphill battle. People just don’t want to reside in Margate anymore,” said Bausek.
A query was sent to Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and a response is being awaited.
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