By: Zethu Gweva
The Buffalo City Metro Municipality is currently installing outdoor gyms for three BCM communities.
According to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya contractors are currently on-site at Sweetwaters, Breidbach and Dimbaza Community Parks (Inland) to install outdoor gym equipment.
Ngwenya added that a Memorandum of Understanding of installing an outdoor gymnasium was signed by the City and the National Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) on the seventh of September.
“The initiative is one of the programmes by the SRSA to roll-out outdoor gyms throughout the country in order to achieve a healthy living and healthy lifestyle,” said Ngwenya.
However, Ward 36 Councillor Vuyo Toykwe told BCM News that there are no contractors on site currently building the gyms.
“There are no gyms being built in Dimbaza whatsoever. I am not aware of any gyms being erupted in Dimbaza,” he said.
One of the residents in Dimbaza, Sisipho Mehlo said the initiative will improve the lifestyle and health of the community members, and it will help people use their spare time to exercise rather than just lazing around.
“This will help the people of Dimbaza in a great way. because when you work out your body and brain function better,” said Mehlo.
In-addition Ngwenya said BCM will be responsible for the identification of suitable land zoned for recreation purposes in a previously disadvantaged area for the installation of outdoor gyms as well as the fencing of the area.
“In Bhisho, the gym will be installed at the central park as it is at the centre of the area and it has ample space for the proposed development,” he said.