Sparks fly in Rylands dispute

THINGS are rukking woes in Athlone after a proposal to convert a portion of the Rylands Sports Complex in Gatesville into a parking area for Melomed Hospital sparked heated debate.

Also known as A.W. Mukudem Oval, it is a renowned, historic cricket facility located in Hazel Road.

The dispute centres on an application by Melomed Hospital for rights over a portion of City-owned land adjacent to the hospital.

City of Cape Town spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, confirmed that Council approved a servitude over a portion of the municipal land in October 2022.

Tyhalibongo said: “The greater part of the sports field will remain and the applicant has committed to upgrading and enhancing it.”

However, former Rylands Cricket Club and Hazel Road facilities management committee chairperson, Shervaan Rajie, is not feeling lekker about the plans.

He wysed: “The sports ground is named after one of the most loved sports administrators in the area, the late Mr A W Mukudem, who took care of this sports field with love and care for decades. The improvements to the facilities were for the benefit of the entire community.”

In a response to the Cape Argus, Melomed said in a statement: “Public notices were issued in accordance with applicable legislation, objections were invited, numerous consultations were held, and stakeholders were afforded multiple opportunities to participate.”

The proposal will result in an approximately 15.3 percent reduction in the overall size of the field; the remaining 84.7 percent of the facility will remain available for sporting use, according to the hospital group.

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