City of uMhlathuze addresses sports complex litter concerns
Last weekend litter left behind by party-goers was scattered across the field and an electrical box was left open and unattended, according to residents indicating an illegal electricity connection
COMMUNITY frustration over excessive litter and broken glass bottles left behind at the Richards Bay Sports Complex in Veldenvlei after entertainment events, continues to intensify as residents call on the city to take action.
Last weekend litter left behind by party-goers was scattered across the field and an electrical box was left open and unattended, according to residents indicating an illegal electricity connection.
Responding to the concerns raised by the public, City of uMhlathuze spokesperson, Percy Thusini, dismissed claims of a possible illegal electrical connection on the sports field as the connection was approved by council.
He confirmed the event on 4 October was a council event, hosted together with a service provider.
‘It should be noted that non-sporting events are confined to the entertainment area of the complex and not on the field of play.
‘The entertainment area, where the event was held, has no permanent distribution box installed to supply electricity in this area.
‘Therefore, upon the event organiser’s formal request to council, a temporary supply in the form of a kiosk was installed with a distribution board to allow extension leads to be connected.
‘Depending on the availability of funds, council is planning to install floodlights in the area, as well as a permanent kiosk for electricity supply,’ said Thusini.
Thusini said part of preparations for an event entails a series of planning meetings with service providers where duties and responsibilities are discussed and agreed upon.
In this instance it was agreed that the service provider would clean the venue after the event.
‘While it is noted with concern that litter picking was delayed, it was eventually cleared, but this will be further addressed in the post-event report.
‘Part of the city’s efforts to limit waste which ends up at landfill sites is to encourage recycling, so delays can occur while organisers wait for the recycling company to make collections.
‘Further steps will be taken, based on the feedback about this particular issue, to ensure there is no recurrence in the future,’ said Thusini.
