As part of a city-wide redress programme to restore past imbalances, the City of Cape Town has put plans in place for two major sports facilities in Imizamo Yethu and Dunoon.
“Sport is such a good way to bring a community together, and to keep the youth of our city safe, motivated and fulfilling their goals. With these facilities, we are once again committing to our promise of being a Caring and Inclusive City and investing in the future of our communities,” says Councillor Tandeka Gqada, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services.
The first project will be the upgrading of the Dunoon sports fields, which includes the construction of a cricket pitch, netball and basketball courts as well as a brand new club house and a multi-purpose container.
Stormwater drainage will be installed, and the parking area currently available will be upgraded, to the cost of R2 million. Construction on the current project is set to be completed at the end of September 2012, with the remainder to be completed by April and June 2013.
“We recognise that parks are tools of community cohesion. As such, this upgraded facility will benefit the community of Dunoon enormously, both with recreational and formal sporting activities. It can also serve as a site for community events. In keeping with our mandate, we aim to better these communities as much as we can,” adds Cllr Gqada.
Another facility is being built in Imizamo Yethu, where soccer clubs have previously made use of grounds not zoned for community facilities. Phase 1 of the project is due to be completed in mid-October 2012.
The complex will cost more than R5 million to build and will boast two sports fields, as well as ablution facilities for teams playing on the grounds.
“This project will enable clubs to play their league fixtures and provide other recreational opportunities for the community in an enclosed, safe environment. In our aim to be a Caring City, we seek to provide a place where the community can gather as a whole and enjoy themselves,” says Cllr Gqada.
“This is also a place where people can chase their dreams of being one of the sporting heroes of this country. With world class sporting facilities like the ones we are currently building, there’s every chance that their dreams will come true,” she said.
