The Directorate has been allocated a draft capital budget of nearly R451 million for the 2023/24 financial year across its four departments, namely Recreation and Parks, City Health, Library and Information Services and Social Development & Early Childhood Development.

The draft capital allocation is divided into five priority areas, namely:
- Facilities management – R260 241 573
- Resourcing/equipment – R86 447 647
- Sports facilities – R57 729 679
- Swimming pools – R29 750 000
- The expansion of safe spaces and NGO shelters – R16 750 000
Some of the facility management projects include the construction of precast concrete walls around a number of sports grounds, a R13 million rand upgrade for the Lwandle community library, as well as upgrades to cemeteries and the Maitland crematorium, totalling just over R30 million.
The Directorate is also planning further interventions around its Information Technology (IT) modernisation project, with R20 million set aside for this purpose.
Among the projects in recent years have included the introduction of an online appointment system for City clinics, and a venue booking system for Recreation and Parks facilities, that went live in March this year.
In terms of recreational facilities, the Recreation and Parks Department will be allocated just under R30 million for the redevelopment and upgrades of swimming pools.

Also on the cards is just under R58 million for sports facilities, which includes a synthetic pitch in Site B, Khayelitsha, the development of a clubhouse at the Strandfontein sports ground and the upgrade of the Bellville Velodrome stadium.
‘The City has hundreds of community recreational facilities that require ongoing maintenance to ensure a positive user experience, and compliance with relevant health and safety legislation. We also want to make sure that, where feasible, we are able to expand our portfolio, and the growing needs of our communities.
‘This proposed capital expenditure is an indication of the City’s commitment to service delivery and quality community facilities, but I do need to reiterate my call to our residents to jealously safeguard these facilities, whether existing or new. Vandalism and criminal attacks on our facilities and our staff remain challenges that affect service delivery, and delay projects unnecessarily – and the affected communities are the ones who have to bear the brunt of the actions of a selfish few,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

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