A tale of two Bay sports facilities
Few investments hold as much promise as shiny new sports facilities. They serve as places for physical activity, social cohesion and the cultivation of talent — something the Eastern Cape has no shortage of. But as two articles published by this newspaper on Thursday show, not all facilities receive the attention they deserve.
In Schauderville, the Moore Dyke Sports Field stands as a beacon of promise.
An ongoing multimillion-rand upgrade, spearheaded by the Mandela Bay Development Agency, demonstrates a commitment to revitalising community assets stripped by vandals during the days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The project, which is 85% complete, encompasses everything from new pavilions to floodlights and an outdoor gym. There will also be a multi-game court, a service building, electrical substation and refuse area. Municipal services such as a paved access road, parking, sewerage and stormwater infrastructure will also be laid on.
In stark contrast, the Marock sports field is a symbol of neglect and missed opportunities.
It lacks working lights and is in poor condition.
The pitch has a few patches of grass and is so hard players have been injured. The field is situated in Marock Road, Sanctor, and its potential is being squandered by a lack of investment and neglect.
In addition, the organisers of the upcoming Stardrift Football Tournament have been hit with an exorbitant bill to use the sports ground despite its inadequate facilities.
The annual tournament is scheduled to take place from March 1-3 but due to the bill of more than R26,000 and poor condition of the facility, the event may have to be cancelled this year — after running for 24 years.
Municipal spokesperson Kupido Baron said the tariffs were set by a council resolution and could not be waived.
Besides the pitch and lighting issues, some toilets in the single ablution facility were out of order this week and there was only one working outside tap.
This tale of two facilities underscores the importance of proactive governance as one community celebrates progress and promise, and another grapples with frustration.