Five months after an inspection by the MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula—prompted by serious allegations concerning the Monte Vista Sports Facility—the transformative project is now reaching a pivotal milestone in this extremely large investment.
Awarded a contract valued at R27,999,426.92, the project faced intense scrutiny in December 2024 when the ActionSA leader in KwaZulu-Natal alleged that, despite substantial investment from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, no tangible progress had been made.
At the time, MEC Khawula, acting on the Premier’s directive to investigate, visited the site and expressed satisfaction with the advancements observed, countering the claims with evidence of ongoing development.
Moreover, Newcastle Mayor Xolani Dube announced this week that Phase 1B had reached 66% completion, despite delays caused by persistent rainfall. To address these setbacks, the contractor is revising the project timeline and deploying additional resources to ensure timely progress.
Currently, the contractor is undertaking the following critical tasks:
- Earthworks for hockey fields, the indigenous games hall, and outdoor gym kerbing.
- Preparation of the change room foundation.
- Construction of tennis court surfacing and fencing.
As the project takes shape, it aligns with the vision outlined by Newcastillian News in March 2024, positioning the revitalised facility to support a diverse range of sporting codes. This development promises to cultivate a culture of health, athleticism, and community engagement, particularly among Newcastle’s youth.
“The revitalisation of this facility will not only benefit residents but will also contribute immensely to the development of young talent by granting access to local schools to host sports days and other activities,” remarked the Communications Unit.
Furthermore, fitness enthusiasts will enjoy access to a state-of-the-art outdoor gym, while event organisers can leverage designated spaces for private functions, including year-end celebrations, weddings, tournaments, and social gatherings.
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By addressing challenges like weather-related delays with strategic adjustments, the project remains on track to deliver a vibrant space that will unite residents through sport, fitness, and social interaction.
Newcastillian News is a major supporter of healthly living and community togetherness, therefore we look forward to the opening of this centre.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
6 Responses
More money wasted when the towns existing infrastructure is in decay. If and when this project is completed it will through lack of maintenance fall into a state of disrepair.
A waste of money. This place is going to fall to pieces after a short while. The money is just being spent to enrich the contractor and some people with SLIPPERY FINGERS. What means and measures will be in place to ensure that the equipment is not destroyed or taken away from the premises. Who is going to foot the bill for security.
There must be full time security otherwise it will a waste of money as the place will be wrecked. But at least a place for people to meet and enjoy sport .
One would think the municipality would fix our roads instead of wasting money on sports facilities
Presently the premises looks very shabby and u safe will all the long grass in the premises
Why not just redo fields that is their for years now why build new field waste off money.changerooms has been their for years why build new ones.athletics field rebuild why resurface old one.i played on those fields.soccer A+B cricket A+B Ruggby A+B all with good floodlight and stands
Athletics track with stands.netball 4 tracks.tennis 4 tracks all with floodlights.wasting money