Nelson Mandela Bay’s sports clubs and schools are set to benefit from a multimillion rand development, which is currently taking place at the Gqeberha Sports Field in Walmer.
This comes after construction work of a new hall, ablution facilities and changing rooms resumed last month, following some delays, including COVID-19 regulations that affected the project.
The new facility, which will cater for people living with disabilities, referees and the public, will add to the one rugby and two soccer fields already built for budding sports stars and proper infrastructure to nurture their talents and contribute to social development.
During a recent oversight visit to the facility, MMC for sport, recreation, arts and culture, Helga van Staaden, was happy with the progress report, which indicated that the work could be completed around July this year.
“The contractor officially started with the work in January following a break in December. This is a 16-month project and R11 million has been invested to build this facility.
“The foundation phase is progressing well and the project is ahead of schedule. The current contractor appointed is making good progress and since the resumption of the project, there have been no disruptions,” Van Staaden said.
“The soccer and rugby clubs will benefit from this development, including surrounding schools. The project has also helped with some job creation and we do not take that for granted, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.
“As the metro, we will play our part to protect this facility. We already have a secure fence around the field but will need residents to take ownership of these community facilities as they are there to help them. We cannot keep rebuilding what was built before. There is no money for that and we urge our residents to work with us,” she pleaded.
Van Staaden was joined by Ward 3 councillor, David Hayselden, who added that he was satisfied with the work progressing well, as the project was long overdue.
Ward-based small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been allocated work to the value of 30% of the contract value.
Local chairperson, Lukhanyo Hanana, said that Walmer had been struggling when it came to having such facilities. “This should have happened some time ago but due to COVID-19 there were some delays. When the project restarted, we were happy for sports development for the metro as a whole. Children will now play here and it will be the first time for the City to bring this professional development to Walmer, Gqeberha,” Hanana said.
“All sporting codes were involved in this development. Everyone is part of security; everyone wants to see their children play here and it is the community involvement that has ensured that the project runs smoothly.”
