POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality has launched an investigation into the alleged misconduct at the Westenburg municipal swimming pool.
The investigation is a result of Review’s recent report about residents’ complaints about the “chaotic and out of control” situation at the municipal swimming pool.
Residents said there was no order at the swimming pool and raised the following complaints:
• The swimming pool only opens between 11:30 and 12:00 when the lifeguard arrives and not from 10:00 as stipulated by the municipality.
• There are no cashiers or security guards at the entrance of the swimming pool.
Visitors walk in and out as they please and are only required to pay when the cashier or security guards spot them coming in.
• The lifeguard is not visible at the swimming pool.
He is allegedly either sitting in his car, listening to music, sitting in the office or lying on the grass busy with his cell phone, according to residents.
• People enter the premises with glasses, bottles and alcohol, although the rules at the swimming pool clearly state alcohol, glasses and bottles are not allowed.
Municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, said the municipality viewed these allegations in a serious light as it was a norm that all municipal employees should perform their duties diligently while on duty.
He said the municipality would investigate the matter and take action against any possible wrongdoing.
“We subscribe to the Batho Pele principle that puts people first. There is no room to condone any digression to this value.
“The community is more than welcome to report any wrongdoing by a municipal employee to the manager or director of the section involved,” Mothapo said.
