Several community facility build projects are nearing completion. Among the highlights are:

• The Pelican Park Clinic, which has been the flagship capital expenditure project for City Health
• The completion of the Ocean View synthetic pitch, with Hanover Park in the home straight and Gugulethu set to be completed by the end of June
• The upgrade of Elizabeth Park in Bellville
• The Dunoon Library project – a jointly funded initiative between the City and Western Cape Government constructed at a cost of R39 million over three years

‘These facilities will be open to the public in the coming months and I hope that the communities who’ll benefit from it are as excited as we are. These are spaces that offer opportunities to access basic services, knowledge and recreation, but also to strengthen partnerships with communities.

‘I urge communities to take ownership of the facilities in their backyards and to help us keep them in good condition so that future generations can also extract benefit from these spaces,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

The Elizabeth Park upgrade in Bellville is currently under way and, once completed, will allow for easy access to the Bellville Library and other buildings. The aim of this project is to add social, economic and environmental value to urban design.

‘Parks and open spaces play an important part in urban design as they create a balance between residential areas, business precincts and road infrastructure. Beautification of open spaces is an important catalyst for potential investment as it adds value to the aesthetics of surrounding buildings,’ said Councillor Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.   

The Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department is in the process of constructing two Early Childhood Development Centres in Heideveld and Strand. It is also upgrading the Rainbow Arts and Craft Centre in Delft.

The Rondebosch Library, a provincial heritage building, will undergo roof replacement which is scheduled to be completed by end of May. 

‘The City follows a balanced approach with regard to investing in efficient service delivery and to building facilities in the community for the community. While it’s important to expand to meet growing demand, it’s also important to maintain infrastructure and implement restoration projects.

‘I would like to once again appeal to all residents to report any vandalism at facilities. It’s only when the community takes ownership and partners with us that we will be able to combat selfish and senseless destruction of City property. Let us lead by example and restore a sense of pride in our communities and in the facilities that enrich our lives and those of our children,’ added Councillor Badroodien.

End