Mfuleni residents were elated at the reopening of the Bardale Multi-Purpose Centre on Monday 17 August. The event was attended by Mayco member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham.

Protect what you have

Welcoming guests, Ward 108 councillor Nkosiphendule Lombi describing the occasion as a special event, said it was high time the community looked after its own facilities.

“It is not worth it if members of the community vandalised or destroyed the facilities they have because they are demanding something. They need to learn from what happened at the Bardale Multi-Purpose Centre. It took almost 10 years for them to get it back. We need them to ensure that they protect whatever facilities they have.”

However, he stressed that it is their right to protest, emphasising they must do so cautiously.

A safe space restored to the community

Higham described the event as a time to celebrate as the centre had finally reopened. She said the community would be able to host its programmes. “This is a facility where the community, especially children, can come and play. It is a safe space for everyone. The walls, floor and windows have been refurbished, a new fire detection system has been installed, and there is a new roof. Everything looks amazing.” She echoed Lombi’s sentiments and urged the community not to damage it. She expressed her gratitude to the community for being patient.

R4-million refurbishment

Giving the background of the centre, Jade Philander, the City’s Senior Professional Officer for Social Services and Town Planner, said it was opened in 2010 by former Mayor Dan Plato. She said the centre was set alight in 2016 by angry residents who were protesting and demanding service delivery.

“Everything that you see here is new. More than four million was set aside to refurbish the hall. We had a problem with the City’s Fire and Rescue Department. We were unable to do anything without a building plan. Then we submitted a building plan. We were told it was outdated and didn’t meet the necessary requirements. We had to redesign the plan in order to comply, which we submitted in October last year.”