Randburg Sports Complex left in the dark after floodlight collapses
A Randburg sports club was forced to remove the floodlight after it affected their daily business.
The Randburg Sports Complex fell into darkness when one of the floodlights on the multi-purpose field collapsed two weeks ago. The incident has left the local sports community shocked with concerns raised about safety.
According to Andrew Collison, a spokesperson from the Diggers Clubhouse, the incident unfolded amidst reports of prior vandalism. “The baseball chairperson, Clive, had reported vandalism of the bolts at the base of the floodlights two weeks prior. Nothing was done and the vandalism wasn’t addressed.”
Collison explained that the sports codes maintain the field because of the delayed response from the City of Johannesburg. “All three sports codes that share the space are responsible for the upkeep of the grounds. Now they are starting their new season with no floodlights and no timeline on when it’ll be fixed”.
A representative from one of the sports clubs directly affected by the incident, shed light on the experience after they paid R7000 to have the light removed from the field. “We didn’t have a choice but to move it. There was glass and metal everywhere, and that made it dangerous. We have children around and it stopped us from continuing with training,” they explained. “I’m just glad we weren’t there training with the children when it fell.”
The source, who chose to remain anonymous to protect the club, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and urgency in resolving the issue. “No one could tell me when the issue would be resolved, and I still haven’t gotten feedback from anyone,” they said.
Furthermore, the source highlighted the broader issue of maintenance at the complex, stating, “We also fixed the water pipes and cut the grass now and then. There hasn’t been maintenance for the past couple of years”.
Councillor Lucinda Harman assured the community that action was being taken. “I have handed it over to the Executive Director of Community Development, Vincent Campbell, and I told him it needs to be sorted out,” Harman stated. She acknowledged other issues plaguing the complex, including leaking water, which she claims to have repeatedly reported to Campbell without a response.
“I am on top of it. I’m pushing it. I look after Randburg and I take it seriously,” Harman emphasized. “I’ve called for an oversight to the area, and I hope they give that to me”.
Questions were sent to the City of Johannesburg on January 25 regarding the maintenance of the Randburg Sports Grounds. Their comments will be published when they are made available.
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