Millions of rands have gone into transforming Lentegeur Sportsfield from a “dump” into a premier sporting venue where Collegians Rugby Club now plays under floodlights, while ambitious plans are underway for a major Westridge Regional Recreation hub.
The Subcouncil 12 meeting on Thursday 20 November detailed how R13,4 million has been invested in the Lentegeur Sportsfield, while its counterparts Swartklip and Dolomites in Tafelsig still face major challenges.
Meanwhile, a separate Subcouncil 17 meeting on Monday 17 November revealed comprehensive development plans for Stephen Reagan sports field in Westridge.
Major transformation
Ward 76 councillor Avron Plaatjies, who represents Lentegeur below the railway line, gushed over the changes at Lentegeur sportsfield, calling it an “amazing story of hope”.
“When we got here, that was an illegal dump site, and people didn’t think that it was possible,” he said adding that at one point people had tried to invade the derelict field.
He said the facility now boasts new grass, comprehensive fencing, and professional lighting systems.
“Three years later, Collegians Rugby Club plays their home game under lights, when they used to practise with makeshift lights,” he said.
City official Sipho Mabetha confirmed that the transformation has attracted a semi-professional club, Club Relentless, which now uses the facility.
“The completion of Lentegeur is looking good. Now we’re working on cricket and football with the view of making Lentegeur the facility that it used to be,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mabetha revealed that R1,5 million has been allocated for irrigation systems at Lentegeur in the next financial year, with plans to develop five soccer fields alongside cricket facilities.
“We have identified about five soccer fields for that. So it’s a project that we plan to take up in the new financial year,” he said.
Westridge gets major hub
City Official Jaco van Niekerk unveiled ambitious plans for the Westridge Regional Recreation hub at Stephen Reagan sportsfield, describing a three-year development programme that will transform the facility.
“We’ve been busy with the scoping phase of getting all the due diligence requirements done by external professional service providers, so that’s been completed,” Van Niekerk told the Subcouncil 17 meeting.
The development involves three major capital projects: a synthetic pitch replacement, clubhouse and ancillary works, and athletic track construction.
He outlined the phased timeline:
- Financial year 2028: Construction of new synthetic pitch following demolition of existing facility
- Financial year 2029: Construction and completion of clubhouse, lighting, and supported seating.
- Financial year 2030: Construction and completion of athletic track.
“We anticipate to conclude a project per year,” he said.
Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts expressed gratitude for the progress, noting: “It’s been a difficult process of getting it onto the agenda and making sure that it sticks to the agenda. To see the progress is exciting.”
Van Niekerk said the plans include creating “plaza spaces and proper access to the facilities” similar to Greenpoint, with improved parking and safe access to new sports infrastructure.
Swartklip overhaul
The Swartklip Sportsfield indoor facility is currently undergoing demolition after what Mabetha described as “six months of absolute nightmares” and progress is being made on replacement plans.
“Yesterday, we also had a meeting pertaining to the replacement facility,” Mabetha told subcouncil chair Solomon Philander, adding that the project managers would have a follow-up meeting with the councillor early next year. The demolition of the old Swartklip facility reportedly cost the city R8 million.
READ MORE: Sub-council discuss Swartklip cemetery, protests and Town Centre traders
Dolomites security concerns
Ward 82 councillor Washiela Harris expressed dissatisfaction with proposed security measures at the Dolomites sportsfield, rejecting plans for clear-view fencing in favour of more robust Vibracrete fencing.
“The clear view is not going to work. What we need for this facility is the same as Lentegeur — the Vibracrete fencing,” Harris said, adding that the sturdier fencing would deter unauthorised entry and vandalising of the field.
Mabetha confirmed that several improvements are planned for Dolomites, including ongoing clean-up operations, scheduled mowing services, and repairs to two fields. However, funding for lighting and comprehensive fencing remains unavailable in the current budget.
READ MORE: ‘Popping’ cars leave councillors’ heads spinning
Budget constraints
Despite the successes, city officials acknowledged that budget limitations are hampering some projects.
“Everyone wants a precast wall, but the reality is, it’s very expensive. I had a budget of R12 million.
“I’ve exceeded my budget. There’s no money,” Mabetha explained when discussing additional fencing requests.
The subcouncil chair emphasised that proper planning and budget allocation are essential for future projects.
“If there’s no money allocated or funding budget allocated, the project is not happening. There must be some planning, even if it’s to say we can’t do it this financial year, but over a three-year span, there must be indication there is money to this effect,” Philander said.
You must be logged in to post a comment.