Residents, especially parents, told Barberton Times that they are struggling to find a place to entertain their children, as there are no sports facilities in this section.

Barberton Times  visited the pool and discovered that it is in a poor state. Windows are broken in the changing rooms and the pool does not have water.

Read: Public swimming pool in disrepair

One of the concerned community members, Mr Themba Maphanga, said: “The pool needs to be renovated before it turns out to be a hiding place for criminals. There are no sports facilities around to entertain our children. It was better back in the days when the pool was in a good condition. Our children used to spend their time there, especially on Saturdays, doing swimming lessons. That doesn’t happen anymore, as it seems like the pool has been neglected.”

The spokesperson for the municipality, Mr Joseph Ngala said, “We are aware of the state of the swimming pool. In our plans, we have to renovate during the the 2018/2019 financial year, as we have projects of a similar nature (recreational facilities) planned for the current financial year in the southern region.”