Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Mbali Mnaba.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Moqhaka Local Municipality has recently conducted oversight of the sports and recreational facilities in Kroonstad, only to find that they have been neglected and are slowly deteriorating, posing a risk to residents and visitors alike.
Several facilities such as Seeisoville Stadium, Brentpark Stadium, Nyakallong Resort/swimming pool, Brentpark swimming pool, Loubserpark Sports Ground, and Seeisoville outside Gym, were discovered to be in a poor state, with broken windows, overgrown grass, and vandalism being among the problems encountered. Please see pictures here, here, here and here.
The Seeisoville stadium, in particular, has no electricity, which has resulted in security guards resorting to using their cell phones as torches, to keep an eye on activities inside and outside the stadium. Due to a lack of light, ongoing vandalism and theft of benches, poles, etc. have occurred. The restrooms on site do not flush because the stadium building does not have access to water, making it essential to rent a portable restroom.
The DA has raised concerns over the municipality’s lack of action regarding the maintenance of these facilities, and only three facilities are set to be upgraded in the next five years. This negligence in maintenance will have an adverse impact on the local economy and the safety of residents.
Regular maintenance of sports and recreational facilities is crucial for promoting health, safety and boosting the local economy. The DA will submit a section 52 letter to investigate the municipality’s internal programme/plan and budget dedicated to repairing and maintaining these facilities, which are slowly deteriorating.
The DA will continue to monitor this issue and hold the municipality accountable for their negligence in maintaining these facilities.