THE Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has provided more details after they were lashed over the cost of a new stadium.
On Monday 4 October, the municipality left many social media users puzzled after they opened a new stadium which reportedly cost over R15 million.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, the municipality said it had officially opened the Lesseyton Sports Field.
“The R15 million Lesseyton Sports Field was officially opened today with scores of jubilant community members in attendance. Soccer and rugby teams will now be able to use the facility to improve sport in the area,” the post read.
The post quickly spread like fire on social media with many accusing the municipality of spending hefty money on an open field.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 5 October, the municipality said it was aware of concerns from members of the public on social media around the sport facility constructed near Komani.
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“The municipality regrets the manner in which the initial post was shared where minimal detail was provided,” it said.
In a detailed response, the municipality said the construction of the sport facility commenced at the beginning of March 2020.
Detailing the expenditure of the facility, the municipality said there were costs involved in surveying the field, erecting a 780m palisade fence and rock blasting.
According to the municipality, the project scope also entailed:
• Earthworks
• Layer works
• Athletics track
• Ablution facilities (two blocks) – construction of 14 toilets and eight showers
• Change rooms – showers and benches
• Borehole drilling
• Sewer system with septic tank
• Electrical installation
• Guardhouse
• Steel grandstands
“The municipality has made this investment in the rural village in support of sports activities in the area. This is aimed at providing the community, especially youth, with a facility that will serve as a suitable playing ground to benefit over six villages.
“The community has a rich history in sport and has also produced a professional soccer player which the municipality prides itself on,” the statement concluded.
Deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Floyd Shivambu was one of many social media users who lashed the municipality on the launch of the stadium.
“An ANC municipality in the Eastern Cape, Enoch Mgijima has opened what they call a stadium. R15 million was paid to build this thing & they are proud of it. The people of South Africa must vote these people out of power because they have no shame. None whatsoever! R15m for this?” he wrote on Twitter.
Mmusi Maimane said: “This sport field did not cost R15 million. That is the bottom line. The public deserves a full explanation.”