Ruimsig Athletics Stadium has now become a free for all facility where anyone can gain access anywhere and do as they please.
This after criminals had stripped and vandalised sections of the stadium’s boundary palisade fencing.
The sections where the palisades had been stolen have created easy access to numerous parts of the stadium – an issue that has become a serious safety concern.
The City’s stadiums fall under the Department of Community Development which is headed by Councillor Margaret Arnolds, the MMC for this portfolio.
A concerned Ward 97 councillor Leah Knott told Northsider that her request to get the MMC to address the matter has seemingly fallen on deaf ears.
“These issues have been raised with Sports and Recreation numerous times. I requested a site meeting and this did not materialise. I have also raised serious concerns with the department pertaining to the lack of proper security and monitoring at the stadium,” she vented.
“There is supposed to be a permanent official assigned to the property but there is hardly anyone there on a good day. These issues were also raised with the MMC of Community Development, Margaret Arnolds, but despite saying she would have it addressed urgently and someone from her office would contact me, I have heard nothing further,” Leah claimed.
In an effort to restore the stadium to its former glory, Leah said, “I’ve asked for a comprehensive report, progress on securing the property, full maintenance schedule, when security will be properly trained and why there aren’t permanent staff on site,” she explained.
The office of the MMC of Community Development has been approached for comment in this regard. An update will be published as and when we receive a comment from them.
