WILLOWVALE- Mbhashe Local Municipality recently handed over a state-of-the-art sports field on 06 November 2024 in Willowvale Stadium.
This impressive facility boasts top-notch features, including expertly grassed fields, an athletics track, a refurbished grandstand and more, the project created jobs for 29 local laborers.
Eastern Cape DSRAC MEC Sibulele Ngongo said officially handed over this state-of-the-art facility, “We want to bring hope to the youth who are enthusiastic about sports in Mbhashe Local Municipality and Amathole District Municipality(ADM) as a whole. Now that it’s opening today, we will wait until the rain clears up to use the playground.”
Furthermore, this aims to promote social cohesion and develop the sport, arts, culture and recreation sectors in the Eastern Cape.
Mbashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr. Samkelo Janda stated, “We have committed to developing sports in Mbashe Local Municipality, particularly for young children, sports not only keep our children away from criminal activities but also provide a platform for discovering hidden talents. “
“Through our Local Economic Development(LED) strategy, we aim to enhance sports infrastructure and opportunities in our communities, fostering a brighter future for our youth,” Cllr Janda added.
In addition, their mandate includes archives, libraries, museums, provincial cultural matters, recreation and sports.With a vision to create a united, active and winning province through sports, the department strives to ensure access to and increased participation in these sectors.
Some of the key features of the Willowvalle sports field include earthworks, grassing, athletics track, refurbished grandstand, stormwater drainage, electrification and parking.
The facility also includes two combi-courts, water and sewer reticulation services and an irrigation system.
Mbhashe Sports Council Chairperson Nkosana Mdabuka pledged the aims to alleviate concerns about the long-term sustainability of the facility.”The council is dedicated to preserving the legacy of this investment and ensuring it continues to benefit the community for years to come,” Mdabuka added.
This project is a testament to the department’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and promoting youth development in the province.
Photographs: Mbhashe LM/EC DSRAC
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