A jumping castle, trading stalls, music and netball added to the festive atmosphere in the heart of Bonteheuwel on Saturday for the launch of the community’s revamped central business district.
The R15 million CBD project, which includes landscaping, murals, trading bays and a playground, took nine months to complete, according to ward councillor Angus McKenzie.
It was a public space for all to enjoy, he said, adding that he wanted young people in the community to choose music and sport over drugs and gangsterism.
“I want this to happen every Saturday and Sunday in Bonteheuwel. I hope that you will bring your kids to enjoy this space. In November, we will relaunch the Bonteheuwel night market with entertainment every night,” he said.
He added that a R900 000 project to turn the Vyeboom Road field into a multi-purpose AstroTurf sports venue was due to be completed by the end of October.
Michelle Wehr, who has lived in Bonteheuwel for 47 years, said: “I’m proud of what’s being done. The community is happy. You do get the negatives, but positives are important.”
The CBD area was now safer for children to play, but it still needed public toilets, she said.
Shane Williams also welcomed the improvements, saying, “I think they must do this in other areas as well. It brings back sports, which is needed, especially for an area like this. These days all youth think about is gangsterism and drugs. They can rather go into sports or music.”
