Eastern Gauteng hockey gets a boost
Ekurhuleni hockey lovers have reason to be over the moon as the first phase of construction of the Eastern Gauteng Hockey Association’s (EGHA) AstroTurf facility in Benoni is complete.
The artificial playing surface is the first of its kind in the region and is finally ready for action.
The association signed the contract with Greenfields (the contractor) in July 2014 for the AstroTurf. Earthworks commenced in August.
Currently, the finishing touches of phase one are being finalised, with the sand filler being dressed into the fibre of the mat.
The sand dressed AstroTurf (similar to an ordinary AstroTurf, but without irrigation pipes beneath the mat) can be converted to water-based turf in the future.
Phase two, which includes cabling and lighting for evening play, will commence once sufficient funding is available through fund-raising and sponsorships.
A fun-filled family opening day is set to take place at a date still to be announced.
With everything finally coming together, excitement is building among those who have been the driving force of the Astro construction.
“It sort of feels like those first few days before Christmas,” explained Shaune Baaitjies, project management team-member.
