Floodplain becomes
a green soccer field
By Tabisa Mntengwana
24 November 2008
THE soccer field on the Amalinda Floodplain in Duncan Village has been officially opened, as part of the celebrations of the decade-long partnership between Buffalo City and Leiden, in Holland.
More than 200 guests attended the opening, held on Thursday, 20 November.
The day started with a welcome address by ward councillor, Mayenzeke Dinizulu, who said, “The Leiden delegates are part of Duncan Village community and we are proud to have made a relationship with a caring city.
“It’s our pleasure to be hosting Leiden at this crucial time of the year. We are indeed grateful to have you in our midst.”
Dinizulu also sang a song with fellow ward councillor, Ntombizandile Mhlola.
In response, Leiden’s water board facilitator, Hans van Veslen, said: “This field is a symbol of moving from the struggle into greener pastures … The green soccer field is a good symbol of those greener pastures in Duncan Village.”
For many years, the open space was used as an illegal dumping site. Leiden helped to set up a project to create a conducive and habitable environment for people living along the river embankment. Funding of R1-million was channelled into the project.
A plaque was unveiled in honour of the people who died during the floods in 2002; during that time, 300 Duncan Village families were affected and more than six people died.
“We are here to show respect and erect a stone in the memory of those people who lost their lives and belongings during the floods,” said Sithembiso Tyilo, the portfolio head for engineering.
Adding strength to those words, the City's assistant manager for waste management inland, Simphiwe Gwana, quoted a Bible scripture: “The Bible tells us that we should erect a stone in respect of those who have left us not in praise but in remembering their souls.”
In closing, the Duncan Village ward councillors and the Leiden delegation planted more than 10 trees to beautify the soccer field. “This area looks beautiful and we acknowledge the involvement by the officials. It’s a great location for the remembrance of our brothers and sisters we lost,” Veslen said.
Four community garden groups will start gardens in the area that will produce fruit and vegetables. “The fruit and vegetables planted in this space will also help the community of Duncan Village to live a healthy lifestyle,” Tyilo said.
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