Public pool dismantled
WINDSOR WEST – Residents feel they should have the right to report theft and vandalism at public places.
Residents who live near the Windsor West Public Swimming Pool on Dukes Avenue in Windsor West have had to watch it being destroyed piece by piece over the past few months.
According to Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs, more than R1 million worth of theft and vandalism has turned the pool site into a dilapidated venue. A few years ago, the premises received much-needed upgrades in the form of fully functionally restrooms, changing rooms, fencing and security but remained non-operational over the past two years.
Jacobs claimed at some point over the past year, security personal at the pool were removed and that was when the destruction started. Jacobs said residents told her they often witnessed criminals dismantle the metal infrastructure to apparently sell as scrap metal. The councillor added that the matter had been reported to law enforcement agencies but allegedly nothing has been done to resolve the issue.
When Northcliff Melville Times visited the site, we were met with heaps of rubbish and debris apparently from the melting of metal for scrap metal by the displaced people occupying the space. The equipment and infrastructure of the pool have also been destroyed. The pool was filled with murky water, and in it was old furniture and even a floating carcass of a cat. There was also drug paraphernalia scattered all over the site.
Long-time Windsor resident Nikki Viljoen was one of the many residents who had tried to report the matter to law enforcement agencies and the City but had apparently hit a brick wall. She claimed, “Whenever we call the police, we are told that unless we know exactly what was stolen and from where they cannot help me. Police also tell me the owner of the property has to be the one to open the case but I feel as a taxpayer I have the right to report it.”
Jacobs had referred the matter back to the City and could confirm that security services at the pool had been retracted but the reasons have not been made known to her. She was also trying to engage with City officials to come on board to enable organisations and individuals to revive the pool site.
Jacobs also confirmed that some people were willing to invest resources into the premises and surrounding area but would only do so if the area could be secured.
She concluded that she would continue to engage with law enforcement agencies on the matter and find lasting solutions together with the City.
