Cape Town - The City of Cape Town’s decision to limit discussions on the future of the Bellville Velodrome has sparked controversy, with the GOOD Party demanding accountability for the lack of public engagement.

In a shocking turn of events, a workshop meant to provide updates on the facility was restricted to Portfolio Committee members only, a violation that the GOOD caucus is demanding accountability for.

Good Party PR councillor Wesley Neumann says City had initially invited councillors to a Community Services and Health Portfolio Committee workshop to discuss the Velodrome, a beloved venue deeply rooted in Cape Town’s sporting history.

“As is our right, GOOD invited interested stakeholders, Bellville Cycle Club, Western Province and Western Cape Cycling Association to join the meeting.

“The committee chairperson, Ronel Viljoen, contacted GOOD to state that the workshop was for portfolio members only, with ‘no other councillors or the public’ allowed.

“The GOOD caucus challenged the legality of this decision.

“Just hours before the start of the meeting, the City changed the meeting status to an in-committee workshop that is not open to the public, and no one can divulge what is discussed or resolved.

“This is highly unusual for a portfolio committee workshop,” Neumann said.

Neumann further added that City's behaviour regarding the future of the Bellville Velodrome and Stadium has been unethical and undemocratic.

“The entire process has been devoid of any public participation.

“The residents of Cape Town deserve the right to have a say in the future of their facility, and it cannot be left to officials, who have no interest in the facility, to decide for citizens,” he said.

Chairperson Bellville Athletics Club, Brian Records, said: “It is frustrating that stakeholders are being excluded from a meeting where the future of a public space is being discussed and that the eventual participants of the meeting are sworn to secrecy under the cloak of confidentiality.”

In responding, Mayco for Community Service and Health Councillor Patricia van der Ross has assured residents that no final decision has been made on the Velodrome's future, stating all potential avenues are being investigated.

“The City is actively exploring various scenarios to ensure access to high-quality sporting amenities going forward.

“This process will include consultation with all stakeholders, athletics clubs, schools, and interested and affected parties so that the best possible way forward is developed together with the public,” she said.

Van der Ross says a study on the scope of works required to restore the precinct has put the estimated cost at approximately R300 million.

“This excludes the additional works that would be required to ensure that the facility is SASREA-compliant. This is a national legislative requirement for events with attendance larger than 2,000,” Van der Ross

She also said the City has conducted maintenance at the Velodrome, but any future upgrades will be costly for ratepayers, and a comprehensive plan is being finalised with stakeholders, and more information on public engagement opportunities will be shared soon.

sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za

Cape Argus