Thembalethu Stadium gets new fence

GEORGE NEWS - The solid boundary wall of the Thembalethu Sport Stadium has been replaced by a permeable fence.

The new fence includes a motorised vehicle access gate and two pedestrian gates to ensure sufficient, controlled sports field access.

The municipality in a statement issued yesterday said the original solid wall created a security risk as it was not visually permeable. "The importance of safety in the general area was echoed by teachers of the adjacent Imizamo Yethu Secondary School as well as the developers of the old clinic site and surrounds. Measures to screen the site during sports events are being considered," said the municipality.

The fence project was executed as part of the Ilisolethu development project for Thembalethu.

The municipality said 11 investment packages have been identified for the execution of Ilisolethu to enhance social and economic development in Thembalethu. One of these investment packages is known as Project 7: Recreation Route.

Project 7 seeks to address the expressed need for more recreation facilities within available vacant land. This includes the development of a 5km recreation route, gym parks, and a future weekend market area.

The fence cost R2,1 m, which forms part of R74 million committed thus far to the Ilisolethu Precinct by the investment partners of the municipality that include the Development Bank of South Africa and National Treasury.

In the future, the sports field will see further upgrades including a pedestrian walkway, the construction of an astroturf, and additional upgrades to increase functionality and enjoyment for all users.

Interested parties can obtain further information on the Ilisolethu Project here or contacting George Municipal Directorate Planning and Development, Henko Lourens at e-mail lourens@george.gov.za.

From left: Granville Campher (manager: Sport Development, George Municipality), Cllr Melvin Roelfse (member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development), Lynette Groenewald (senior spatial planner), Cllr Simphiwe Toto (Ward 13 in Thembalethu),Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Cllr Thandiswa Qatana (proportional representative councillor in Ward 13), Cllrs Marchelle Kleynhans (member of mayor committee for Community Services: Parks, Refuse and Environment) and Henko Lourens (spatial planner).