Bulwer residents rally to reclaim tennis facility
The City has, in recent months, seen illegal occupation and vandalism of the once vibrant and well-maintained facilities, triggering fear and frustration among surrounding residents. Residents' formations have subsequently taken a step to bring back the glory of Frere Tennis Court club in an effort to rid it of unsolicited activities.
IN response to the Berea Mail’s article regarding the ruined Frere Tennis Court club last week, the eThekwini Municipality has shed some light on the City’s plans and progress. A residents’ association indicated that they were and are still engaged in discussion with the City, while other concerned residents are frustrated with the ruined state of the facility.
eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Gugu Sisilana assured the community that the City is taking action. “The Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department has noted with great concern the invasion of our facility. We are implementing short-term measures, such as regular spot checks by our Law Enforcement Section,” said Sisilana.
“Safer Cities has completed a profiling of individuals residing there. We are also in communication with members of the Glenwood Bulwer Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association. A community meeting was scheduled through the office of the former councillor, who has since moved to the Legislature. With a by-election currently underway, the Ratepayers’ Association suggested that we wait for its completion before meeting with the community at large,” Sisilana explained.
Also read: Frere tennis courts in ruins
The community, too, has put plans into action to restore the damage. The Glenwood Bulwer Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (GBRRA) vice-chairperson, Heather Roos, commented, “The Glenwood Bulwer Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association is committed to transforming the neglected tennis court into a thriving community asset. Through coordinated efforts in reclamation, restoration, engagement and maintenance, we will ensure the facility is safe, welcoming and beneficial to all residents. We seek the support and collaboration of the entire Glenwood and Bulwer community to make this vision a reality.”
“A Ward 33 committee member for Health, Safety and Security, as well another member of the Glenwood Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association, met a few months ago with Safer Cities and the occupants living at the tennis court premises. The occupants at that time were given a verbal three-months’ grace to find alternative accommodation as that building was not built or meant to be used as any type of housing or shelter. This is according to Safer Cities at this meeting,” Roos added.
She said that GBRRA had been liaising with relevant departments within the municipality. They had been told there was a hold-up due to further consultation and the vacant councillor position.
Also read: Homeless shelter at tennis courts appeals for more assistance
She concluded that there were organised individuals interested in adopting the facility or applying for lease agreements. And, as a department, they aim to gather enough proposals to make an informed decision.
GBRRA, through its proposal, suggested for the removal of illegal occupants through legal means and also to work with local authorities for permits to remove the illegal occupants; for cleaning and repairs, and for the addition of landscaping features and painting to be undertaken.
Sisilana concluded that the City had also requested that the Architecture Department conduct a condition assessment of the Frere Tennis Court club.
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