Editor’s Note: Stadium usage needs resolving

BUILT at taxpayers’ and ratepayers’ expense, the primary purpose of this splendid asset in the heart of Richards Bay is to provide much-needed sports facilities.
Indeed, the complex is home to soccer, cricket, netball, volleyball and hockey.
The Richards Bay Rugby Club is also located within its boundaries.
Other than the tartan athletics track, which is under-utilised, the sports fields are constantly occupied.
But it did not take long for the City itself to see the potential of the grounds as a venue for private and commercial functions, often for political and municipal gatherings.
While some day-time events could be acceptable, major problems have resulted from the night parties, affecting both residents and the sports fraternity.
One is the loud noise that emanates from the facility, well into – and sometimes beyond – sunrise.
Added to the nuisance value of ‘concerts’ is the fact that they leave behind a mound of trash, among which are countless empty and broken alcohol bottles.
This has a dangerous effect on the surfaces of fields and pitches, which are also damaged by tent pegs and poles that are driven into the ground.
At whose expense is the sports complex being cleaned after an event? Does the municipality, ie the ratepayer, foot the bill?
And why is alcohol being sold at these ‘bashes’?
The rugby club has the only liquor licence for the complex, so any other selling of alcohol is presumably illegal.
An added irritation is that sports people who want to use the venue for the purpose for which it was built – to play sport – are denied entry while money-making, non-sport events are given priority.
Top of this complaint is the ludicrous situation where Thanda FC, on the brink of bringing huge benefits to the City if they game PSL status, are told to reschedule home matches in favour of gigs or shows…because gate money needs to be collected!
The powers that should not underestimate the passion of the sporting community and should be aware that Thanda’s thousands of mighty supporters are more than a little unhappy about the situation.
The solution is simple: move the evening ‘bashes’ to the ZCBF Community Park, where top decibels in the early hours won’t matter, and leave the sports fields for sports.