VIDEO: Questions arise over items being removed from Firwood Road pool
The Ward councillor for the area said he has sought answers from the mayor and city manager over the incident.
A VIDEO circulating on social media has angered residents who allege that municipal workers were ‘stripping’ or removing items from the Firwood Road municipal pool.
The video, which appeared on Facebook and was shared to the Greenwood Park aka da fields Facebook page, shows a group of men, believed to be municipal workers and a lifeguard, carrying a bench to a truck parked outside the pool.
The municipal pool, which was closed in July 2017, has lain empty for the last seven years, with the infrastructure around the pool crumbling and falling apart.
The pool was closed ostensibly due to an underground water leak which is thought to have affected residents’ homes on Falkirk Avenue.
Ward councillor Andrew Akkers said he had written to the city manager and the mayor asking why items were being removed from the pool.
“I was made aware of this situation from a social media post. I believe that a bench and an awning were removed from the pool. I’ve had no communication as to why this has happened or where the items are being taken. It is a sad situation that the pool has been closed for seven years and now we see items being taken from the pool,” he said.
In a bid to highlight the pool’s prolonged closure, a peaceful march will take place from the venue on Saturday, June 14, as part of the Youth Fest.
The City said it was not aware of any incident of theft or ‘stripping’ at the pool.
“The Municipality is not aware of the allegations. Anyone with information about theft, corruption and stripping should report such allegations to law enforcement authorities and the City Integrity and Investigations Unit for investigation on 0800 20 20 20 or 031 311 4002 or email: ombuds@durban.gov.za,” said eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana.
Earlier this year the City told the Northglen News that there was no budget to commence with repairs and a revamp of the municipal pool.
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