The recent storms that damaged the fence of the Bo-Kaap multi-purpose court known as Wectec will only be fixed by December, according to the Recreation and Parks Department.
Patricia van der Ross, the Mayoral committee member for community services and health, says they are aware of the damage that happened at the same time as the Bo-Kaap flats roofs were ripped off.
“Plans are in place to have the fence repaired and the anticipated completion date is by end December 2023. In the interim the department will remove the remaining fence and that is anticipated to be completed within the next two weeks. The Department confirms that the second field is available for use and is currently being utilised by the handball club,” said Ms Van Der Ross.
Gakeem Staggie, the manager of the Bo-Kaap handball club, says they now have to play their home fixtures at a different location. The handball league starts at the end of October.
“We have to play our home games away and this is not good for us as we want to grow the sport here and have our supporters, the parents and friends of the players, here too, now we have to play at the German school which is great, but still, playing away from is not ideal,” said Mr Staggie.
“We also have to pay for transport for the players and a few supporters and that comes from our pockets as we don’t have sponsors.”
While Ms Van Der Ross says the second multi-purpose court can be utilised, Mr Staggie says that other sports are being played on it.
“There’s kids that play basketball, soccer and rugby at this court so we cannot take their space. We are using Bryant Street park for training and that’s not ideal as other kids play there and it’s not our home turf,” he said.
While the Recreation and Parks Department confirmed that the area has been cordoned off with danger tape and signage has been placed at strategic points, Mr Staggie says that is not the case.
The Atlantic Sun visited the site and can confirm that the damaged fence is not cordoned off.
In another matter regarding the Wectec, Ms Van Der Ross stated that the building is being illegally occupied and that an eviction notice is in the works.
