Westville pool in shambles

WESTVILLE Swimming Pool is one of the area’s busiest attractions in summer as hundreds of residents flock to the grounds to cool off. But some residents have noticed a slow deterioration of the grounds and the pools.

Cheryl Walker, just one of the many concerned residents, said it’s a shame that the pool is in a bad way, as she took her children there when they were toddlers and now takes her grandson.

“The toddlers’ pools’ water looks clean, but the blue paint in the little pool rubs off on your knees and there is a lot of black, which I think is algae, around the edges,” Walker said.

Other concerns raised by residents included the dilapidation of the Westville Pool building and surrounding areas, the long grass and overgrown flower beds that they say are also overrun with weeds.

Walker said she’s also only once seen a lifeguard at the pools: “There always used to be a lifeguard patrolling the pool. It is essential with so many children in the water.

“It was, and still could be, such a lovely place to spend a day. Despite what it looks like, it is still very popular,” she added.

eThekwini Municipality’s head of communication, Tozi Mthethwa, said: “Repairs and maintenance will be undertaken at the Westville Swimming Pool by the relevant maintenance department next month. We apologise to the public for any inconvenience caused. The matter is receiving attention.”

But Mtethwa did not comment on Walker’s query as to why there aren’t lifeguards at the pool.