Lack of maintenance leaves sporting facility rotting
"This area was nice and neat. But in the past five years, it has been deteriorating.”
Gym enthusiast Nhlamulo Sondlane used to frequent the Crystal Park tennis court and sporting facility for her daily workout.
But lately, the fitness enthusiast finds it difficult to leave the safety of her home to go to a space that was once the beacon of hope to the community.
“I’ve been living in Crystal Park since 2012. This area was nice and neat. But in the past five years, it has deteriorated,” she said.
Boasting two multi-sports courts and an outdoor gym, the facility is a shadow of how it was when Sondlane and her sister used to enjoy a round tennis all those years back.
The fencing around the courts is rusty while some parts have been damaged. The hard surface, which desperately needs a lick of paint, is worn out and has developed cracks, posing a danger to players.
The netball and basketball poles have been rooted out while the tennis nets are missing. Some of the gym equipment is damaged and vagrants have turned the ablution facilities into their home.
“I have some of my workout routines on my phone but I had to leave it at home because of the presence of the vagrants. It’s not safe,” she said.
“Those were supposed to be toilets but we can’t use them because the vagrants live in there. This is not okay.”
Sondlane explained community members used to come daily to work out but because of the neglect and presence of the vagrants, fewer people have been coming.
“I’d appreciate the revamping and renovation of the whole place. Some of the gym equipment is broken. A lot of people used to come here daily but lately, I’m just by myself,” said Sondlane.
Ward councillor Nicola da Silva said the facility is an eyesore and it is heartbreaking to witness its deterioration.
“The repair and maintenance of this facility has been on the IDP for the past 10 years. Every year, the municipality tells us it’s not budgeted for. When we ask them to come out and clean up, nothing happens,” she said.
“It’s frustrating because residents deserve better. They deserve to come here and play their sport, train and enjoy the facility but they are unable to do that.”
Da Silva expressed her anger over the facility’s lack of maintenance, saying the city needs to start listening to the residents.
“When residents say they want their facilities maintained, let’s maintain them. We have a parks department that can easily come here and cut the grass. If they do that and keep this facility clean, it will easily attract the people to come and exercise,” said Da Silva.
The newspaper is waiting for a response from the municipality.
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