Concerns raised over city-owned public facilities
"We need facilities that will benefit the entire community," said Guerreiro.
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro has urged the community to unite in combating crime and safeguarding city-owned facilities that have become targets for vandalism and neglect.
Speaking to the media, Guerreiro expressed growing concerns over the deteriorating state of several city-owned properties, including the Gerdview swimming pool, Primrose Sports Centre, and the old Wannenburg Clinic.
Guerreiro highlighted that these facilities, all owned by the City of Ekurhuleni, have suffered from years of neglect, with little to no maintenance being performed to keep them functional.
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“These facilities have become white elephants,” Guerreiro stated.
“The city continues to spend money on them, whether it’s paying for security or cutting grass all year, yet they remain unused and in disrepair.”
The swimming pool has been out of operation for the past five years, forcing residents to use the Klopperpark pool, which has also faced issues.
Guerreiro voiced concerns over reports that the empty Gerdview pool has become a site for drug use, though this has not been confirmed.
“We are worried that facilities in the ward, which should be operational, are instead attracting drug users, homeless individuals, and criminal elements.”
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Guerreiro called on the community to protect these facilities rather than contribute to their further decline. He cited the Klopperpark Fire Station as an example of a city-owned property that has become a hazard, with vagrants occupying the space and fires breaking out at night.
He suggested that the city consider leasing the Gerdview pool to private entities to ensure its maintenance and operation.
“As September approaches, we want to see the pool operational,” Guerreiro said.
The old Wannenburg Clinic was also singled out as a cause for concern due to its occupation by vagrants.
Guerreiro warned that the building’s deteriorating condition poses an environmental hazard and lowers the value of nearby homes.
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“The building is now a potential environmental hazard. Fires could break out, or worse, criminals could be occupying the building, and drugs may be sold from there,” he warned.
Guerreiro urged the city to take action, either by selling the property to generate revenue or leasing it to NPOs for community use.
Guerreiro emphasised the lack of access to properly maintained public facilities in his ward, despite a growing population.
He pointed to the long-abandoned and damaged Turnhout courts and the neglected Primrose Sports Centre as examples of facilities that have fallen into disrepair.
“The sports fields are in poor shape, the fencing is dilapidated, and in some areas, the palisade and fence have collapsed altogether. We need facilities that will benefit the entire community,” he said.
The GCN asked the City of Ekurhuleni for comment on August 14, requesting a response by August 16 at 13:00.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
