City claims lessee is responsible for upkeep of Springs Indoor Sports Centre
What was once a great venue used by many clubs is now a home for rats and other pests.
It’s been almost two years, but the City of Ekurhuleni has finally provided answers about the state of the Springs Indoor Sports Centre.
What was once a great venue used by many clubs is now a home for rats and other pests.
There appear to be bats in the roof and parts of the building leak.
The centre lies abandoned, with the main hall reeking of urine and rubbish.
There is no electricity in the building and the bathrooms are flooded.
What is apparent is that the centre has not been used in a very long time.
Also read: Indoor sports centre neglected
The only good thing is the 24-hour security on site.
Outside the centre, it is clear the grass has not been cut in a long time and the surrounding area looks untidy and unkempt.
The Advertiser inquired about the centre with the municipality in March 2020 and only received a response last week.
According to Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, divisional head of communication and media relations for the City, the facility has a lease agreement that has since expired.
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“However, as per the council lease policy, the lessee is still occupying the facility on a month-to-month basis, pending finalisation of the lease process.
“New lease applications were received and are being processed by the real estate department,” said Cebekhulu.
When questioned about the facility’s maintenance, Cebekhulu said the responsibility lies with the lessee.
The communication head did not comment on the City’s plan to restore the Springs Indoor Sports Centre and stated only that “the metro is in the process of finalising the lease applications for the facility”.
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