SEDIBENG – As spring blooms across Gauteng, different municipalities prepare to welcome the warmer months by reopening their swimming pool facilities.
But children of the Vaal find themselves in a state of disappointment and neglect as their public pools are in disrepair.
Despite the scorching heat, not a single child was seen splashing in the stagnant waters of these forgotten pools, raising questions about the responsibility of the municipality to provide essential recreational spaces for their residents.
Sedibeng Ster took a drive to seven pools under the care of Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) which were once bustling with laughter and the joyful screams of children.
Today, Friday, 01 September none of those pools had swimming in the stagnant waters of these popular community sports hubs, instead sights of dilapidated swimming pools stood as a silent testament to years of neglect.
Speaking to the paper, ELM spokesman Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed that pools remained closed.
“We don’t have a swimming pool open today in the region. We are still busy with the supply chain process so that we can able to fix some of few things at our swimming pools. We are hoping that by the end of September five of our seven pools will be fixed and operational,” he said.
The Ster Team engaged a number of residents and children on the closure of pools in their area.
Thabo Mdluli (34) said “The closure of these pools not only robs children of recreational opportunities but also affects the overall well-being of the community. Swimming is not only a form of exercise but also a valuable life skill. By leaving these pools in disrepair, local authorities are not only neglecting the youth but also undermining the potential for talent development in swimming and other water-based activities.”
Among the neglected pools, lies a once magnificent Olympic-sized long-course lap pool in Duncanville which also stands as a symbol of municipal neglect.
Residents staying close to the facility said for almost a decade now, the facility has been locked.
The pool has been not maintained, the structure is cracking, there is high grass and the pool water has algae and dirt floating on the surface.
Shaun Niekerk (48) said, “This pool was once a crown jewel for the residents of Vereeniging. Many swimming students and swimming clubs used this facility for training and tournaments in the same facility. It’s saddening to see the same historic facility dying in this state. The municipality needs to account.”
