Primrose Bowling Club greens are in a bad state and committee members expressed concern to GCN in an interview on October 20.
Jean Angelo, who was treasurer of the club at the time of the interview, and Mike Bowett, the vice-president, expressed their worries on the condition of the bowling greens.
“The greens are in a bad condition and all we get is lip service. We have tried to take it upon ourselves but we were told we are not allowed to do anything to the greens as they are council property. Having the grounds like this is costing us,” said the treasurer.
According to Angelo, since some lockdown regulations have been lifted the workers responsible for maintaining the greens have been coming and not maintaining the grounds due to not having masks or sanitisers and equipment, which is allegedly missing.
“We tried to offer them masks and sanitisers and they refused and said they need to work with council-issued resources.
“They often come to the club and sleep under trees and after some time they left. They have not maintained the greens since they have been allowed to return,” added Angelo.
With regards to the missing equipment, Angelo said the storeroom with equipment is fully secured with an alarm and the bowling club members do not have keys to access it.
“Sometimes the workers come and park outside the gate and go without even talking to us.”
The greens with visible weeds are an eyesore for members of the club.
“Eighty per cent of our members have left as a result because they want to get back to playing bowls,” said Bowett.
The loss of club members was a financial blow to the club.
“We also had our electricity cut due to an outstanding fee of about R90 000.”
Angelo explained the amount accumulated during lockdown although all their electronics were switched off except for the outdoor security lights.
Angelo said there have been rumours going around with residents that this is an ulterior motive to close the club and open a taxi rank where the bowling club is.
“This is a major concern for residents because if they build a taxi rank here, our neighbours’ property value will decrease,” said the treasurer.
The committee members are trying to keep the bowling club alive, according to Angelo and Bowett.
“This building was built in around 1930 and is one of the historic buildings in Primrose,” said Bowett.
“We offer a place of recreation and relaxation for the community and our greens are part of a greenbelt with the park next to us which is also not well-taken care off. Our request now is for council to come in and clean up the greens so our members can start playing again.
“Some members believe it is the committee’s fault but our hands are tied,” said Bowett.
To keep the club running, the bar and kitchen are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm.
“The kitchen offers breakfast, subs, toasted sarmies and specials for each day. This is not bringing in enough income to keep the club running,” said Angelo.
The treasurer added their future plans include a vegetable patch for the community, a flea market and other family get-togethers.
All of which they are not certain will happen should the greens remain in the condition they are in.
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CoE comments
The City of Ekurhuleni provided comment on the bowling club’s concerns.
According to a response to GCN, the City stated due to lockdown, no maintenance was done on any sports facilities.
They stated the council and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC) are experiencing challenges to get all facilities, depots and workplaces compliant in terms of Covid-19 health guidelines.
“The council’s occupational health and safety officer is expected to inspect working conditions on October 23 and hopefully thereafter we will have the go-ahead to start with normal maintenance.”
GCN asked the City what procedures were put in place to ensure such greens were well maintained by workers.
The response stated the department has a challenge with vacancies of two machine operators who were dismissed last year.
“This void has led the department to temporarily position an employee to assist with maintenance, while the applications for filling of the vacancies are being considered.
“Therefore, once all challenges regarding Covid-19 compliance have been sorted, full maintenance should continue daily.”
For the committee to get their greens maintained consistently and properly the City said the department has a communication structure in place with the president of the club to communicate all matters related to maintenance.
“John Zitha, the senior horticulturist responsible for the maintenance, had a meeting with the previous president of the club, who has since resigned, where he was informed of the challenges and proposed plans.
“The club needs to honour those communication structures to allow for constructive discussions to address issues and have a constructive working relationship.”
The City further said maintenance is expected to start from October 26.
“The club must, however, apply to the sport and recreation division to be vetted in terms of the Covid-19 regulations and the particular sports federation.
“Once they are vetted the operational division is informed and the club may start with their normal activities.
“Their application must be submitted to Boycie Ntlwane of the SRAC department.”
Sports clubs were advised to report decay by communicating any matters related to maintenance of playing surfaces of their leased facilities to the responsible senior horticulturist.
“All other complaints should be lodged through the council’s call centre.”
Regarding the electricity bill, the City said this is a credit control issue which falls outside which should be dealt with the finance department.
On the rumours of a possible taxi rank at the Primrose Bowling Club after it closes, SRAC said they do not know of this and have not received any application for such.
They stated they were waiting for confirmation from the relevant department.
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