The City of Tshwane’s recreational resorts are facing significant challenges due to poor infrastructure conditions, primarily resulting from inadequate maintenance. 

The poor state of resorts was revealed after a recent inspection led by Peggy de Bruin, acting Section 79 chairperson of Tshwane’s Environment and Agriculture Management, who called for immediate maintenance intervention to address their infrastructure challenges.

De Bruin visited Ga-Mothakga, Rooihuiskraal, and Kruger Avenue Resort, where she witnessed firsthand the poor state of facilities, including problems related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and swimming pools.

She stressed the importance of maintaining the resorts as they drive tourism, create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to the country’s gross domestic product.

She highlighted that the city must prioritise the maintenance of the resorts, especially in areas that directly impact guest experience, safety, and operational efficiency. 

“Additionally, landscaping and exterior surfaces create the first impression and contribute to overall appeal. Regular maintenance of these areas will help prevent costly downtime, extend asset life, and enhance guest satisfaction,” she said.

De Bruin, however, applauded the card payment system at the resorts as one of the effective and efficient mechanisms to combat crime at the resorts.

Upon inspecting with the committee, she promised that she would then incorporate the recommendations of her committee into the report, which would then be tabled by the council for approval. 

“These will then accelerate the process of maintaining these resorts to enable the residents and visitors space for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction,” she said.

Meanwhile, MMC for Economic Development & Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, announced on Thursday that the National Treasury has allocated R76 million for the creation of 2,780 new employment opportunities in the city during the 2025/26 financial year.

She said: “The 2,780 employment opportunities that are being created will include roles related to cleaning of the inner city; maintenance of the formal and informal trading facilities; cleaning and greening of the city’s parks and open spaces; management of informal settlements; roles as safety ambassadors; and positions in the artisan development programme which will be focused on service delivery matters.”

She said the budget allocation follows the successful conclusion of the fourth phase, where the municipality achieved a very commendable grant expenditure of 97%.

“This funding was used to create thousands of employment opportunities which were allocated using a fair, transparent, and audited lottery selection process. Beneficiaries of these job opportunities include the youth, women and persons with disabilities from all seven regions of Tshwane,” she said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

Source link