FTLM criticized for shoddy work at Kgopaneng Sports Complex
KGOPANENG
Just imagine handing over a sports complex with no flood-lights in the 21st century. Guess what, the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality’s Kgopaneng Sports Complex has no high-intensity artificial lights. This means the facility will not be able to host evening games and events.
It was ululations and celebrations when the Mayor of FTLM, Cllr Eddie Maila, officially opened the facility on July 27. Many thought the sports complex was indeed, value for money, but locals are starting to doubt that, they think they were scammed by the municipality.
During Sekhukhune Times’ recent visit to Kgopaneng, this publication discovered that the newly built sports centre had no athletic tracks, the paving was incomplete and the facility had no grand stands.
Speaking during the official opening Maila said the investment demonstrated the municipality’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through improved sports infrastructure.
“Today we are not only opening a sports facility, but investing in the dreams and potential of our young people. These upgraded facilities will provide a safe and conducive environment for sporting activities, talent development and community recreation. We call on residents to protect this investment so that it continues to benefit future generations,” said Mayor Maila.
Locals in Ward 16 are now disagreeing with Maila. “We demand Phase 3 of the Kgopaneng Sports Complex, how are we going to watch games? The municipality needs to erect stands or provide temporary grandstands for soccer matches,” said a local resident.
Residents said the shoddy and below par job done at Kgopaneng exposed the FTLM’s failures in execution, planning and oversight.
Another resident said, “We assumed the sports complex was going to assist us in hosting school athletics and track events. This won’t be achievable as this newly built venue has no running tracks,” said a disappointed educator from one of the local schools in Kgopaneng.
When asked about the total costs for the Kgopaneng Complex, FTLM’s communications team did not respond to questions posed to them. Sekhukhune Times understands more than R13 Million was spent during the first and second phases of the sports facility.
According to the FTLM, the completion of the Kgopaneng Sports Complex forms part of the municipality’s ongoing investment in public infrastructure aimed at expanding access to quality sporting facilities, promoting social cohesion and improving the quality of life in communities across the municipality .
