The Musina Municipality has committed R3,5 million to the construction of a new sports facility at Nancefield Extension 6 (Harper Mine). Construction on the facility, which has already started, is expected to be completed at the end of May this year.

The funding for the project comes from the municipal infrastructure grant (MIG). The MIG is a conditional grant that supports municipalities with their capital budget and their integrated development plans (IDP) to fund infrastructure, primarily benefiting indigent households.

Mayor Caroline Mahasela says the municipality is proud of projects like this one because they have an impact on the daily lives of the local community. "Our focus is on providing support for infrastructure projects that primarily benefit indigent households. Included amongst these are projects identified by the municipality’s integrated development plan. The investment made in this way has many positive spin-offs, such as stimulating economic growth, job creation and, ultimately, in the contribution it makes to improved service delivery and a better quality of life for all our people.”

She continues: “As local government, we have an oversight role and must ensure that the project complies not only with the criteria laid down for funding but also that the money is well spent and within the period set down.”

Mahasela says the scope of work in the project includes the construction of a grassed pitch, ablution facilities and palisade fencing. She urges community members to handle the facility with care, so that it may have a long lifespan.