Lolo Madonsela The AbaQulusi Public Swimming Pool has been neglected for years, and has become a home to street dwellers and a haven for criminals. In 2018, the Public Swimming Pool building caught fire, presumably started by the homeless who were burning paper to keep warm. At the time, the municipality was not using the building, leaving it to homeless people to take shelter. The rubble resulting from the fire that engulfed the roof was not cleared and when one entered into the remains of the building, one was welcomed by an unwelcoming stench, worse than a sewer spill. However, the municipality has now taken strides to resuscitate this asset and bring life back into the town, while ensuring that the town is kept clean. Municipal Manager Bonga Ntanzi said, “We are currently clearing the rubble and cleaning the site. In November, we are appointing a service provider to do the repair work. April is the completion date for the project.” Ntanzi said the delay in fixing the Public Swimming Pool was due to financial constraints the municipality was faced with, which included having to pay the historical debt which has finally been paid off.
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He gave his assurance that as soon as the repairs are done, the swimming pool will be open to the public and also affirmed that the municipality will remain the custodian of this asset, as there are no plans to lease or sell it out to private business. “There was a financial crisis in the municipality that prevented us from being able to fund the repairs. It will cost us just under R300,000 for the repairs. It will be opening in April; as soon as the repairs are completed. There is no resolution to outsource the operations at this stage and there is no evidence to indicate that outsourcing is a desirable option,” added Ntanzi. Access to the swimming pool has been restricted until refurbishing has been completed, and no vehicles are allowed to park on the front garden of the Public Swimming Pool building. Ntanzi concluded that the municipality is steadily moving towards ensuring that the town returns to its former glory of ‘cleanest town’ and attracts more investors, as more developments are expected.
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