Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis officially handed the completed R27 million upgrade of the Bishop Lavis Sports Ground to the community on 19 August, together with Francine Higham, Mayco member for Community Services and Health.
A new 11-a-side synthetic soccer pitch and family park were recently completed as part of the final stage of the transformative upgrade. Previous phases delivered a new athletics track, hard courts, a re-grassed cricket oval, floodlights, a newly-constructed access road, parking, fencing and related security enhancements.
Transformation
“We’ve been working on these major upgrades since the start of this term,” said Geordin Hill-Lewis, “and it is unbelievable to see the transformation of these facilities today. It’s a joy to think of all the good that will come from Bishop Lavis youth using these top-class facilities to realise their full potential. The sky truly is the limit for young athletes, and families can now also enjoy the beautiful park alongside watching their kids achieve on the track, cricket oval, soccer pitch and hard courts. This upgrade is a shining example of the impact of Cape Town’s SA-record infrastructure investments, 75% of which directly benefit lower-income households and communities.”
Said Higham: “We encourage the youth and families of Bishop Lavis to make full use of these wonderful facilities. Importantly, please help us protect these facilities from vandalism and theft. The City has installed various fencing, lighting and other security measures. Going forward we need an active community to take ownership in partnership with us. Let’s work together to ensure the community continues to enjoy the advantage of these top-class facilities now and into the future. This extensive upgrade was delivered in stages over the course of over three years, and we look forward to delivering on the many other amenity upgrades planned for communities across Cape Town as part of the City’s record infrastructure investments in the coming years.”
Next three years
Over the next three years communities will benefit from various sports and recreation facility upgrades, including:
– R123 million for sports facilities capital upgrades
– R66 million for recreation hubs and community hall capital upgrades
– R171 million for parks and public spaces capital upgrades
– Over R191 million in library upgrades, equipment, books and subscriptions; and
– Over R95 million for community swimming pool operations and upgrades.
