Mogale’s pool problem: What went wrong?
Mogale City’s neglected public swimming pools have fallen into a state of disrepair, raising serious concerns about the municipality’s maintenance of community facilities.
The poor condition of Krugersdorp’s swimming pools has raised many unresolved questions about the city’s numerous abandoned and neglected public amenities.
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The pools in question include Kagiso Swimming Pool, Krugersdorp West Pool, and the Coronation Park swimming pool. The Krugersdorp News visited each location and can confirm that, while security is present to guard the premises, all the public pools are in very poor condition.
According to Mogale City Local Municipality’s (MCLM) communications officer, Refilwe Mahlangu, the municipality has conducted several assessments of the pools and confirmed that the main issues are pollution and faulty pumps.
“Internal assessments by the municipality and the provincial Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation were carried out, with the findings being significant at that time.
Krugersdorp West Swimming Pool has pump problems, and Kagiso and Coronation pools have pipework, tiling, and pump issues, respectively.
“The Community Development Services Department, through its Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation Division, oversees the operational management of the pools, while the Infrastructure Development Services Department, via its Building Maintenance Division, is responsible for their maintenance,” Mahlangu said.
According to MCLM ward councillor Trudie Naude, some efforts have been made to revive the pools in Krugersdorp; however, the problems have worsened over the years.
It’s heartbreaking because it would give the children something to do and keep them off the streets. The neglect is an eyesore, as the pools are now breeding grounds for mice and parasites that pose health risks and harm the environment. The buildings will need renovation; however, there are no funds for maintenance or operational costs,” Naude said.
Kagiso resident and former Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) worker at the Kagiso pool, Busisiwe Duba, stated that the pool was once one of the township’s few crown jewels and public amenities.
“During school holidays, children would often use the premises to socialise and participate in fun activities, keeping them occupied, as it was one of the few well-functioning public recreation centres.
“It is very unfortunate to see the state of the pool like this, with grass overgrown, dead birds, and parasites floating. When I worked here, children would enjoy activities that helped parents and guardians keep them off the streets. That is no longer the case because now the youth are consumed by drugs and bad behaviour,” Duba said.
Mahlanghu confirmed that the public had been consulted through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) to explore ways to reopen the pools, and relevant stakeholders are engaged through the Sport and Recreation Section.
During the News’ visit, only two pools were accessible: Krugersdorp West and Kagiso Swimming Pools.
Following the mayor’s recent State of the City address, there was no mention of whether budgets or plans will be allocated to repair the pools in Mogale City, and Mahlangu confirmed that there are currently no audit reports available for public viewing.
