GQEBERHA – Frustration is growing in the community over delays at the Moore Dyke Sports Precinct, a R37 million project that was originally expected to be completed by 2024.
Julian Julies, a Schauderville resident and president of the 1812 Movement, said the lack of progress has left the community frustrated.
“At the end of the day, the community is upset that there is no progress. People feel that money is being wasted,” he said.
The Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) has reassured residents that the long-delayed Moore Dyke Multipurpose Facility remains on track for completion, despite ongoing challenges, including vandalism and procurement delays.
In a statement issued on 18 March on behalf of acting CEO Unati Peter, the agency acknowledged residents’ frustrations and sought to provide clarity on the current status of the development.
According to the MBDA, the project is approximately 80% complete, with the remaining work expected to bring the facility to practical completion once a contractor has been appointed.
A construction tender to complete the outstanding work was advertised in October 2025. However, the process remains in its objection phase, delaying further progress on site.
Vandalism has also been cited as a significant concern. The agency confirmed that 24-hour security has been deployed to prevent further damage to the partially completed facility.
In the meantime, maintenance work — including cleaning and general upkeep of the fields and surrounding areas — is scheduled to take place this month.
The MBDA said it continues to work closely with the ward councillor’s office to address community concerns.
Last week, the agency’s project manager conducted a site visit with Ward 49 councillor Graham Gelderbloem to assess progress and discuss the way forward.
Despite the setbacks, the agency expressed confidence in the project’s eventual completion and the benefits it is expected to bring to the community.
“The project still forms part of the agency’s 2025/2026 business plan,” the statement read.
However, some community members say the delays have already taken their toll.
Commenting on vandalism at the facility, Julies said residents should play a more active role in safeguarding the site.
“I believe the community should protect the facility and ensure that it is not vandalised. We need to guard our facilities,” he said. “The same thing happened with the swimming pool — it was completely vandalised. Tiles were removed and the water was drained.”
Julies told the PE Express that the facility was intended to benefit the broader community.
“It is a multipurpose facility meant to serve community organisations. It should have been handed over in 2024, and it is already 2026.”
While acknowledging delays, Julies warned of the ongoing impact on the community.
“There is a delay, but this should have been anticipated. At the end of the day, we are the ones losing out,” he said. “The sad reality is that some community members and drug users are stealing cables, and parts of the fence have been cut open and destroyed.”
Julies said there are plans within the community to take a more active role in protecting the site.
“We are planning to take ownership of the site, cut the grass, and allow local football clubs to start using the facility,” he shared. “We want to take care of it and prevent further vandalism. We cannot allow this to continue.”
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