United Cricket’s Club’s tenure at Hosking Park may be over if the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is unable to repair or replace the pipeline systems at the facility.
This is according to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe, and in response to questions posed by the Herald about sewerage and infrastructure concerns at the cricket grounds.
It was reported in the Herald’s February 17 edition, ‘United Cricket Club grounds devastated by heavy floods‘ how a downpour on February 13 caused serious damage at the club.
The water level swept through the clubhouse and ablution facilities at 500mm above ground level, damaging a huge amount of stock and equipment with an estimated damage of around R35 000.
The force of the water pressure was so extreme that the A-Field boundary ropes were found wrapped around a tree at the adjacent Brakpan Rugby Club perimeter wall along Elliot Street.
Part of the rugby club’s wall had also come down after the storm.
Des Gamble, facilities manager at the club, told the Herald at the time that this happens at least once a year, but it was the fourth time this season.
In the past, the Herald has reported on the infrastructure problems at the club and the issue of sewage spilling onto the outfield, which forced important Premier League matches to be cancelled.
Gadebe claimed the EMM is aware of the problems at Hosking Park.
“The sewerage was once dealt with, therefore it was assumed that it was permanently corrected,” he said.
Asked what action would be taken, Gadebe stated the Water and Sanitation Department’s Sewerage Systems Unit has been informed to deal with it.
“EMM’s Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Department does not have the necessary skilled personnel to handle this cumbersome challenge,” he said.
“A works order was forwarded to the Real Estate Department to address the challenge which in turn directed the same to both departments.”
The municipality believes the pipes may be old and in need of replacing.
“EMM has also realised that if these pipeline systems cannot be repaired or changed in earnest, it would be proper to close the utilisation of grounds until such time that either one of the two departments have addressed this persistent problem,” added Gadebe.
Gamble believes this could spell the end of United Cricket Club in its current form.
“As we have experienced this problem for the past five years and no permanent solution has been found or even looked for by the council, it is clear to me that the council has way bigger fish to fry and that United Cricket Club certainly does not feature anywhere on their priority list,” he said.
“It’s sad for cricket as we are not just any old cricket club, we have built up a Premier League side that has featured in the top four positions of the league table for the past two years and that is not to mention 120 odd junior players who hail from this club.
“It is my opinion that we will have to re-evaluate the future of this club in Brakpan as a priority.
“As fields are scarce, however, this may prove to be a huge mountain to climb.”
Also read:
Flooding causes major havoc at United Cricket Club
United still eyeing a play-off spot
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