Metsimaholo Local Municipality has established a new multi-purpose centre for the youth and the general public in Harry Gwala section. The facility was donated by Sasol Coal as part of its social responsibility.

The municipal spokesperson, Gino Alberts, said the initiative is aimed at getting the nation to participate in sport.

“The municipality contributed to this development by making land available, and we are happy that finally our youth and sports people have a venue where they can polish their skills through training and exercises,” he said.

The structure also features a satellite police station and a fire-brigade unit to ensure accessible services for local people, who had to travel almost 20 kilometres to the nearest police station in Zamdela Township.

The multi-purpose centre is equipped with a tennis court, a netball court, a hall for conferences and events, a football play-ground, netball court and volley ball court.

There are five kiosks situated inside the centre where a variety of food stuffs and neccesities for athletes are going to be sold.

“We have made sure that we create a medical centre in this facility, we also have a talent development office to help with nurturing differing talents of our young people and channelling them accordingly,” he said.

Public works minister Susan Shabangu handed over the facility to the local municipality  in March this year and will soon be fully operational. Differing sporting codes are expected to take occupation of their offices.

Alberts said this was in keeping with the municipality’s vision of a healthy citizenry with sober life habits and longer life spans that will translate in increased productivity for the area.

“The location of the fire brigade in this centre is more relevant as we approach winter season and most of the people living in the adjacent Amelia section of the township still do not have electricity and use Imbaulas and electricity stoves to warm up, leading to increased incidence of fire that needs to be responded to with speed,” he said.

He said residents experiencing any fire emergencies should not hesitate to call the station hotline on (016) 976-0945 to get a swift response.

Also housed at the multi-purpose centre will be the Social Security Agency of South Africa (Sassa) offices which  will assist  women to access children’s social grants, the elderly needing to apply for their old age pensions as well as the sick receiving different grant packages from Sassa.

“When we host big events in the hall there will be no security worries as the police are housed here too, and revellers can rest assured that their safety is guaranteed,” he added.