THE Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), an entity of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, recently held a multi-stakeholder public meeting to give feedback on the progress of the R37m Moore Dyke Multipurpose facility.
“The Dyke” as it is popularly known, has now reached a stage beyond the halfway point, between 60 to 70 percent on various components, and enters a new phase, preparation for operationalisation and ownership by the community.
Ward councillor, Graham Gelderbloem, officially opened the gathering, imploring Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor, Gary van Niekerk, to make sure that the Schauder-Korsten Masterplan that was approved by council in 2014 gets implemented soon, to speed up development in the Northern Areas.
MBDA board chairperson, Glenda Perumal, took the opportunity to thank all stakeholders involved in making sure that this project progressed this far.
“The board of the MBDA appreciates the collaborative work that is underway between relevant council departments, the community, and our project management team. With all the changes that happen out there, partners have stuck together and made sure that work continues, and we deliver. It is testament to the way we do things the MBDAWay.”
Closing off her comments, Perumal took the liberty to introduce newly-appointed chief executive officer, Anele Qaba, who joined the MBDA on June 22.
Qaba, who is no stranger to the work of the MBDA, has hit the ground running. Tapping into his institutional memory from having served as executive director and acting city manager, he echoed Councillor Gelderbloem’s call.
“It is my plan that as we continue towards completing this project, more resources are made available towards the implementation of the full Masterplan.
“The Schauder-Korsten Masterplan has several key projects that, if fully implemented, would address a lot of socio-economic issues. The plan deals with holistic development; something the MBDA has proved time and time again as being very capable of.”
The MBDA recently delivered a world-class community sports field along Stanford Road in Helenvale. The project, which was funded by the German Development Bank, KfW, was part of a broader Safety and Peace through Urban Upgrading Project (SPUU). The Helenvale Sports Ground project, when completed, was handed over to SRAC, and is looked after through a community partnership with NMBM SRAC.
Mayor van Niekerk said the Mandela Bay Development Agency is a jewel in the crown of the local government institution for delivering work of exceptional quality.
“I appreciate your work done at the Helenvale Sports Field to ensure community involvement and the safeguarding of the facility. We need to emulate what you have done there to ensure that the Moore Dyke precinct is not vandalised. It is a major investment into the area and will provide major economic opportunities for business and emerging enterprises during the construction phase.
“I grew up in Schauderville, learnt to swim at the Schauderville Swimming Pool and went to school here until I went to Gelvandale High. I call on residents from Schauderville to help us ensure that this project is a major success by protecting our investment.
“Recently, a young boy was killed in Bloemendal by a stray bullet while playing on a piece of cement the kids called Wembley, after the iconic stadium in the United Kingdom. This facility will be a safe environment for young children and adults to enjoy sport and social activities in a safe environment,” said Mayor Van Niekerk.
Operations executive, Debbie Hendricks, emphasised the need for community buy-in “for the sustainability of this major investment.
Hendricks reflected on the MBDAWay process which envisions communities taking a lead role towards the sustainability of projects and infrastructure.
“Some of the reasons projects usually fail are because of a lack in consultation. Through the MBDAWay, a community-led Project Steering Committee was established as a conduit and link between the project team and the community. This group of volunteers plays a critical role in how projects unfold, with an eye on long term sustainability.”
Several community leaders and PSC Members joined the dialogue and expressed their satisfaction and enthusiasm for the project to be completed by the beginning of 2024.
– ISSUED BY MANDELA BAY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
The Moore Dyke Sports Precinct project went out to tender in September 2020; the tender closed in October 2020. The Moore Dyke Sports Precinct project was then awarded to Pro-Khaya Construction to the value of R37 166 379.13 excluding VAT. The contract duration is twenty-four (24) months; as such the contractual practical completion date is April 2024. The project is presently performing on schedule.
The project scope of work consists of the following:
- Refurbishment and extension of the old Clubhouse (Heritage Building) while preserving as much of the original structure as possible;
- Two new soccer fields and a cricket field with club level flood lighting;
- New pavilion building;
- New service building;
- Cricket practice area with netting;
- New basket and netball courts with ligh-ting;
- Access road with parking;
- Basic (Municipal Infrastructure) services.
