Cape Town: The Recreation and Parks wraps up several upgrades. The City of Cape Town observes new synthetic pitches in Khayelitsha and Delft, lighting at Elsies River’s public facilities and a new roof for the Retreat Civic Centre. The department has crossed numerous major projects off its ‘to do’ list.
The Recreation and Parks Department has initiated hundreds of facilities in its portfolio, that includes sport fields, recreation centres and resorts. Several key milestones were achieved between September 2024 and the end of January, as part of the Department’s maintenance, repairs and upgrades programme.
Reportedly, six projects were completed and phased milestones were achieved, with an assigned budget of just more than R43 million. This included the installation of synthetic pitches in Khayelitsha and Delft, new hockey pitches in Bellville and at Hartleyvale. This considered the upgrades to the tune of just over R3 million at the Vygieskraal Stadium.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the upkeep of the recreational facilities is a massive undertaking, including the very long list of assets.
According to Higham the officials have unenviable task of ensuring the available budget which is assigned in an equitable manner. Also, there is a range of challenges such as securing facilities and minimising potential delays to projects.
The City of Cape Town is committed to provide quality and safe spaces for sport and recreation and proceeding towards the completion of these projects speaks to the commitment.
Councillor Francine Higham further stated that she encourages the communities to make full use of the facilities and to help them in protecting them from theft, vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.
However, in Retreat, the contractor recently handed over the Civic Centre following the completion of a roof replacement project.
Furthermore, the work stated in November 2024, at an estimated cost of approx. R1.6 million, excluding the VAT. Minor additional works are being completed but the facilities are available for bookings.