As it is the swimming season, residents in Windsor West will have to rely on pools in other areas.

Read more: Sewage is taking over the streets of Windsor East

The once vibrant community pool is facing severe challenges, including concerns over safety, vandalism, and neglect, leaving residents disheartened.

The state of the pool is shocking. It is filled with dirty water and filth. The guard house, change rooms, and toilets have become a home for drug users and displaced persons. The area is constantly burning, and the smoke is affecting residents of nearby properties.

Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs recently conducted an oversight at the pool. She explained that the residents have effectively been denied access to a public recreational facility that should serve children, families, and local swimmers. Instead, the site has deteriorated into a health hazard. “Beyond the structural decay, residents are now dealing with the constant burning of rubbish around the facility, which produces thick smoke that pollutes the air and affects nearby homes. This contributes to serious environmental and health concerns, creates safety risks, attracts vandalism, and undermines the overall well-being of the community. A facility that should uplift the area has instead become an eyesore and a danger.”

Also read: Windsor East sewage crisis keeps getting worse

Jacobs said that, recently, she received a report on the state of all swimming pools across the city. The Windsor West Swimming Pool was not listed at all, which immediately raised concerns. “This omission is alarming, especially because the Community Development Department remains fully responsible for the facility, but has shown little to no initiative to resolve the long-standing issues. The current state of the pool poses a clear environmental health risk to residents, making it necessary for me to conduct an oversight to document the situation myself, and ensure it is properly escalated.”

Jacobs added that, unfortunately, the City of Johannesburg has not proactively addressed the deterioration of this facility. “Despite previous reports and concerns raised, the department has failed to present tangible progress or a clear recovery plan.”

Shadow Mayoral Committee Member for Community Development Lyrics Mazibuko will be tabling the findings in the upcoming community development Section 79 committee meeting, requesting an urgent intervention plan from the department. A formal report will also be submitted to ensure the matter is documented and escalated within the city’s governance processes.

City of Johannesburg was sent questions regarding the plans of the pool. They had not replied by the time of print, however their response will be published once made available.

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