Continued closure of swimming pools frustrate residents
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela said as much as they understand the public's frustration, the City has a responsibility to ensure they minimise the spread of the coronavirus.
DESPITE the country moving to Lockdown Level 1 on 28 February 2021, public pools remain closed.
Each weekend, queries flood community information groups as residents are uncertain about when public pools will reopen.
However, eThekwini Municipality spokesman, Msawakhe Mayisela said unfortunately it cannot be ‘business as usual’ as the City has a responsibility to ensure they minimise the spread of the coronavirus.
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Westville resident, Dorothy O’Neill, said it concerns her that every weekend, she notices members of the community arriving to make use of the pool only to leave disappointed.
O’Neill said when she asked about the delay in opening the pool, she was advised by a staff member that they are still waiting for chemicals.
The resident said she followed up on a weekly basis regarding the chemicals but was always given the same answer, they are still waiting.
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She said her concern was that the pool is paid for by ratepayers and is used not only for leisure and enjoyment but also by swimmers training for competitions and events.
“It is so sad to see people arriving with picnic baskets and towels, only to leave disappointed, ” she said, adding that swimmers, have had to find alternate facilities to train at.
Her husband, Shawn O’Neill was a regular swimmer who trained daily during the week due to health related issues.
Mayisela said, as the City, they realised that opening pools to the public, considering KZN is an epicentre, could result in the area being a breeding ground for the coronavirus.
“There is also the reality that our country could be hit by a deadly third wave. We should be mindful of the fact that it would be difficult to maintain social distancing when people are swimming in a restricted area such as a pool.
“This must not be misconstrued to mean that we are disregarding our responsibility to meet the needs of the public, but we are applying all the stops to ensure residents are safe,” said Mayisela.
He further appealed to the public to work with them in turning the tide against Covid-19.
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