The once vibrant community pools in Randburg, particularly those in Windsor West and Robin Hills, are facing severe challenges, leading to their closure and abandonment. Concerns over safety, vandalism, and neglect have rendered these facilities unusable, leaving residents disheartened.
Ward 98 councillor Beverly Jacobs reflected on how Windsor West Pool reached its sorry state. “This whole problem at the pool began in 2019 when the security services were removed from the premises. That led to drug users and peddlers taking over the pool and stripping the infrastructure. The guardhouse was repaired about a year ago but it has been stripped again.
“The community is angry and complaining because at night, the people who live in the pool yard make fires and burn things and that disturbs the neighbours.”
A resident who has lived close to the pool for 18 years said that there was a time when law enforcement came to deal with the situation. “Law enforcement came, and they cleared out this place. A few minutes after they left, the guys were back. Now there’s drug dealing and suspected prostitution. At 01:00 people are visiting the pool and hooting continuously and as neighbours, we are scared to speak up for our safety. Councillor Jacobs is here all the time trying to get these guys into rehab but they don’t go because they want freedom to commit crimes.”
Jacobs shared her frustration with trying to get the people out of the pool yard. “At this point, I’m saying they just need to go. We have a homeless shelter in Windsor for displaced people to go to and be rehabilitated. But they do not want to go to the shelter.”
Similarly, the Robin Hills pool faces its own set of challenges. Ward 99 councillor Nicole van Dyk expressed her concerns regarding the state of the pool. “The problem with this pool is that there is a cable or wiring issue that we’ve been struggling with since about July last year. The Windsor pool has been overrun by drug dealers and users and all the kids that would use the Windsor pool, would come to this Robin Hills pool to swim and now this pool is not open either.”
In response to these allegations, Nthathisi Modingoane, the spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, provided reassurance regarding the state of the community pools. “The Robin Hills pool is being closely monitored to ensure a secure environment. We prioritise the safety of our patrons and are committed to providing a secure space for all.”
Modingoane added, “The Community Development Department is actively engaging with the private sector to establish a public-private partnership for Windsor West Swimming Pool. This initiative aims to enhance the overall management and services provided at the facility.
“Efforts are underway with relevant stakeholders to ensure the removal of dwellers and restore a safe environment.”
Modingoane also outlined plans for the rehabilitation of Windsor West Swimming Pool. “The public-private partnership plans include beautifying the surrounding area, particularly the park adjacent to the pool. This initiative aims to create a more aesthetically pleasing and inviting space for the community. “The rehabilitation of Windsor West Swimming Pool is scheduled as part of Phase 2 of the maintenance plan, focusing on improving the pool facilities to provide a better experience for the community. Updates on the progress will be shared as the project develops.”
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