A portion of the palisade fence at the West End Cricket Club was replaced this week, four weeks after an event was held at the grounds.
A PORTION of the palisade fence at the West End Cricket Club was replaced this week, four weeks after an event was held at the grounds.
According to the application that was submitted by Long Street Lounge, the All White Lifestyle Party was an annual event that attracted visitors from various provinces to the city and held many economic spin-offs that benefited local small businesses, guest houses and retail stores.
Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nocci) CEO Sharon Steyn stated that West End Cricket Club – a Nocci member – had incurred damages during the event that was held on October 28 to 29.
“A portion of the palisade fencing and the spectator’s benches were removed, the gate and main gate track were damaged, creating a security risk. Cars were parked on the cricket pitch. The area was not properly cleaned, where glass bottles and bottle tops were left strewn all over the grounds. Pieces of glass were found on the grass and posed a danger to cricket players.”
Steyn added that grievances were sent to Sol Plaatje Municipality, who gave permission for the use of the venue, although to date no response was received.
She stated that the cricket grounds were utilised for tournaments and practice sessions by schools, including Yonder special school, and prison warders.
“It is one of only three cricket grounds in Kimberley and when events are booked at the venue, league matches have to be cancelled.”
The CEO of Long Street Lounge, Kagisho Nkomo, said that they had started replacing the palisade fence on Wednesday.
“The devil’s fork fencing was safely stored at the back of the grounds. It was removed for the overflow from Long Street Lounge to the cricket pitch during the event,” said Nkomo.
“We cleaned the field and I will fix the two benches. I paid for the hiring of the venue and Sol Plaatje Municipality, who owns the field, did not have a problem. I do not know why a third party is complaining. I am not involved in politics, I am running a business. I never caused any harm.”
Nkomo explained that the construction team that he worked with was out of town and he was unable to replace the fence sooner.
“All the work should be completed by Thursday. We employed additional security guards as theft is rife in the area.”
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thoko Riet said the fence was removed through a “mutual understanding” of all parties involved in the event.
“The parts of the fence were safely packed away during the event. The event organisers (Long Street Lounge) cleaned the venue after the event that was held at the cricket pitch, as initially agreed. The event organiser committed to put back the fence and the two benches that were in the way of the marquee during the event, by November 24, by midday.”
Riet added that the cricket ground was a public facility that should be accessible and used by all community members.
“All residents of Sol Plaatje Municipality, regardless of their race or creed, should have access to the pitch.
“It is the responsibility of the municipality to liaise with entities that book its facilities, not third parties. There are processes and procedures that the municipality follows to enter into lease agreements or the review thereof.”
Riet indicated that no intentional damages were incurred.
“The fence was removed as per mutual consent with the municipality and the Griqualand West Cricket coach. The venue was booked and paid for by the event organisers.”
