As part of celebrating South Africa’s 20 years of democracy, Mayor Carol Phiri of the Musina Local Municipality officially handed over two completed projects to the value of R6,5 million to the people of Musina on Monday.

The historic day started with the handing over of MTD (Skoonplaas) Stadium in the morning and closed with the handing over of Nancefield Public Park.

Phiri said both projects were conceived during the municipality’s public participation meetings. “We do not dictate to our people. We implement projects based on the needs of the people. We have now completed these projects and this is the time to hand them over officially to our people.” She requested the community to handle the completed projects with care.

She said handing over the projects was part of celebrating South Africa’s 20 years of democracy. “People are celebrating 20 years of democracy countrywide. We feel that we must also do something to put smiles on the faces of our people. After 20 years of democracy, Musina also has a good story to tell. It is important to celebrate these milestone achievements, because it indicates that life has really changed after 20 years of democracy.”

She said a total amount of R5,1 million was used to revamp the MTD Stadium. “We have constructed the palisade fence, change rooms, ticket guard room, tennis, volleyball and netball courts. The soccer pitch, fitted with a computerized irrigation system, has also been improved to meet international standards. The ablution facilities are of high quality and we have also made provision for parking space.”

When handing over the R1,4 million Nancefield Public Park, Phiri said local people had been requesting the municipality to provide them with recreational facilities for some time. “We are very happy because we have finally delivered what our people wanted.”

She said parks were a tangible reflection of the quality of life in any community. “They provide identity for citizens and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life. This park will provide a gathering place for families and social groups, as well as for individuals of all ages and economic status. Parks and recreation programmes provide places for health and well-being that are accessible by persons in our municipality.”

She added that the municipality strongly linked access to parks and recreation opportunities to reductions in crime and juvenile delinquency. “Young people will have a place to play and the chances of involving themselves in criminal activities are limited.”

The scope of work in the park comprises a fence, landscaping, braai, play, relaxation, and ablution facilities.