March 2, 2005
By Bafana Nzimande
ONE OF Soweto's prime community recreation and sports sites is to get an upgrade of nearly R1-million.
A priority at the Pimville Community Centre is tightening security, following vandalism at the complex and complaints that some people are using it for illegal activities, such as taking drugs.
Mbulelo Bezu, Region 10's sports and recreation manager, says the funds will be allocated by the City of Johannesburg. The Modjaji Street centre has modern sports and recreation facilities, such as an indoor heated swimming pool, two recreation halls, a library and two tennis courts.
To increase security, a brick wall will replace the palisade fence along Modjaji Street, says Bezu. In addition, the fence between the centre and neighbouring houses will be renovated.
"The brick wall is meant to make it harder for those perpetrators wanting to conduct unlawful activities on our premises," he says. "By renovating the palisade fence around the centre, we want to keep our facilities visible to the public so that locals can assist us by keeping an eye out for any unlawful activities in our yard."
A new wire fence will also be erected around the centre's tennis courts. The existing fence was vandalised, with gaping holes cut into it so people could climb through them, entering the complex illegally.
"It is only a few local youngsters who find pleasure in vandalising property," says Elsie Mokgoebo, the region's area manager.
Some of them use the community centre as a venue where they can take drugs and do other unlawful activities, like break windows and fixtures, Mokgoebo adds. However, she is optimistic about the new developments, particularly if responsible local residents support them.
The Pimville Clubhouse, two blocks away from the community centre, is also in line for renovations. "The budget will also cover all renovations that will be made at the clubhouse," Bezu adds.
Used primarily for aerobics classes, the clubhouse will be repainted, its yard paved and all broken windows will be replaced. Electricity fixtures will also be repaired.
It is one of Pimville's oldest recreational sites and has kept many local people away from crime, Bezu says, adding that Region 10 felt obliged to carry out renovations and ensure it stayed popular among the younger generation.
He says work on the improvements will start soon and all projects are expected to be completed by June. "We have just finalised all development arrangements at both venues."
During the work activities at the community centre will continue as usual, but those at the clubhouse will be suspended for a short while. "Everything will be running as usual again once all the developments have been completed," Bezu says.
For more information about the upgrading and renovations, call Mbulelo Bezu, Region 10's sports and recreation manager, on 011 933 2023.
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