City lays out plans for its neglected public facilities

The CoE has responded to concerns raised about three neglected public facilities in Ward 92, outlining its plans for their future.

Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro recently called on the community to unite against crime and protect city-owned properties, which have become targets for vandalism and neglect.

He expressed specific concerns over the Gerdview Swimming Pool, the Primrose Sports Centre, and the old Wannenburg Clinic, all of which have suffered years of neglect.

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Guerreiro described these facilities as “white elephant projects”, noting that despite ongoing expenditures for security and maintenance, they remain largely unused and in disrepair.

In response to an inquiry from the Germiston City News, city Spokesperson Zweli Dlamini provided details on the city’s plans for these facilities.

Regarding the Gerdview Swimming Pool, Dlamini said that while the city does not intend to lease the pool, the relevant department would consider and assess leasing applications.

He confirmed that the pool became operational after installing a new pump and should open for public use in September, depending on the availability of contracted lifeguards.

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Addressing the condition of the old Wannenburg Clinic, Dlamini said a site inspection in July found no vagrants living on the premises. He also mentioned that the city is considering leasing the property.

The Edenvale Property Management Services Office has received a request from an NPO interested in using the clinic as a shelter for homeless people and a skills training centre.

The lease application cannot be processed until the NPO receives funding confirmation. If approved, the NPO may make the necessary alterations to the building to suit its purposes.

Regarding the Primrose Sports Centre, Dlamini explained that the Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture (SRAC) Department handles grass cutting and general grounds maintenance.

The Real Estate Department manages the building maintenance upon receipt of work orders.

He said no revenue from leases is directly allocated to facility improvements because the SRAC receives an annual budget for the maintenance of sports and recreational facilities.

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Dlamini acknowledged the ongoing vandalism, specifically the theft of the palisade fence surrounding the sports centre, which has created additional financial burdens for the city.

He urged the community to help combat this crime, emphasising the need to protect city infrastructure.
The city is reviewing its budget to address the fence once funds are available.

Additionally, Dlamini revealed that a soccer club has applied to lease the Primrose Sports Centre.

However, he pointed out that the facility’s current infrastructure does not support permanent leases and ad-hoc users simultaneously unless agreed upon by the lessee.

He also mentioned that the SRAC does not have any permanent staff or a caretaker at the facility to manage and monitor its use.

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On community benefits, Dlamini said residents can join any clubs that lease the facilities to use them.

He reiterated that crime is a societal problem that requires collective action and called on the community to share information about vandals and thieves with the authorities.

The EMPD will regularly patrol the hotspots.