THE Chinatown and Navy communities, together with local businesses, have come together to restore the once-thriving Himalaya Sports Ground in Merebank. What was previously marked by crumbling infrastructure and abandonment is now seeing a dramatic turnaround led by the community.

Also read: Growing frustrations over uncut grass in Merebank

Residents have cut long grass, hedged trees and replaced damaged perimeter fencing. Previously abandoned and in disrepair, the sports field marked by crumbling changeroom walls, is undergoing a transformation thanks to the efforts of community members.

Local businessman Dasen Nadesen said the neglected condition of the grounds had made it a hotspot for crime. Last year The SUN published a story about the poor maintenance of the Himalaya sport ground. eThekwini Municipality said there were no funds to refurbish the sports ground.

“Over the years, criminals have broken into homes and stolen copper pipes. There have even been instances where homes were ransacked and valuable possessions stolen. We have decided to step in and give back to the community by revitalising this neglected sports ground. We have cut the overgrown grass and repainted the changerooms to give the area a much-needed facelift,” said Nadesen. 

Navin Singh, chairperson of the Chinatown and Navy Association, said the idea is to create a clean, safe space for the community.

“We appreciate all the efforts made by the Nadesen family in improving the condition of the sports field. We also acknowledge the involvement of the eThekwini Municipality, who came in to rake the grass. However, their assistance came a bit late, as the majority of the work had already been completed. Nevertheless, we are grateful for their support,” said Singh. 

According to Singh, the community crew laboured for a week cutting grass, trimming trees, and repairing the deteriorating palisade fence.

DA deputy provincial leader Sithembiso Ngema strongly condemned the municipality for its inactivity.

“The overgrown grass, untrimmed trees, and dilapidated facilities have created an environment conducive to crime and social ills. The staff clock in in the morning and because they do not have tools of trade you find them sleeping in the same overgrown grass that they are supposed to be cutting – a good example of the city that fails to plan accordingly and the lack of accountability from the city side,” said Ngema. 

Ngema commended the community for taking the initiative to facelift the area and urged the municipality to take responsibility for maintaining it. “It’s unacceptable that the municipality expects the community to do their job, especially when they have the resources and mandate to provide basic services,” he said.

Ngema called on the municipality to prioritise the maintenance of public spaces, ensure that their staff are equipped with the necessary tools, and provide effective area management.

Residents of the Chinatown and Navy areas have been advocating for relocation back to Ward 68, the ward they were previously part of.

They cite poor service delivery as the main reason for their request. Currently the area falls under Ward 75. In complaints submitted to the KZN Municipal Demarcation Board, community members claim they are being neglected by local authorities.

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