WATCH: Greenwood Park residents feel left in the dark about facility’s future
While the facility has been vacant for the past decade, residents have, for the past six years, attempted to negotiate with the eThekwini Municipality that they be allowed to take over the facility to develop it into a multi-purpose sports and community centre.
RESIDENTS of Greenwood Park say they need more clarity about the future of the Maurice Benjamin Hall and tennis courts on Cheron Road.
Last week residents sent out a petition to the City objecting to work being carried out at the facility which saw some fences around the tennis court cut down by municipal workers.
Some areas were also graded to create ramps to allow municipal vehicles to park inside the facility with no engagement with the community.
While the facility has been vacant for the past decade, residents have, for the past six years, attempted to negotiate with the eThekwini Municipality that they be allowed to take over the facility to develop it into a multi-purpose sports and community centre.
Local resident, Darrien Lortan, who spoke with concerned residents and Northglen News last week said he was disappointed by the lack of communication from the City.
“What Carl and other members of the community heard about a possible depot is speculation but it is driving our fear. If the council is upgrading the hall and courts for the betterment of the community then that’s wonderful. We also feel that this piece of land could be turned into a multi-purpose facility with space for an indoor football court and the possibility of extending the hall. That would without a shadow of a doubt benefit the community,” he said.
While the eThekwini Municipality failed to respond to questions surrounding the future of the facility, City spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said there would be an engagement with the community.
“Please note that the City is aware of the concerns raised by the community. All work has stopped at the site to first allow for engagements with the community,” he said.
It is understood the City will communicate with ward councillor, Bobby Maharajh and a few community members, however, a date for the meeting is yet to be determined.
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