FOLLOWING a recent Sun article detailing the apparent neglect of Amanzimtoti Main Beach’s swimming pool (Pool of Neglect – November 7), there has been some action at the facility, with municipal workers seen carrying out cleaning work.

Also read: Swimming pool frustrations [LETTER]

While that was taking place, eThekwini Municipality also responded to questions about the deplorable state of the pool, which remains inoperational while the festive season has officially begun.

The community had strongly voiced concern that the pool had not been maintained since it was closed. At the time of the SUN’s inspection on November 5, the facility’s gate and some fence railings were missing, making it easy for anyone to freely go in and out. While the pool has stagnant and dirty water, there are no lifeguards on duty should anyone fall inside.

Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the reason the pool remains closed is because of structural defects, which include sinking and cracked paving. While she said regular maintenance is carried out, prevailing conditions painted a different picture.

“As the facility is located along the seashore, these defects have been exacerbated by tidal activity and environmental conditions. Routine maintenance, including monthly draining and cleaning, is carried out. However, challenges have been experienced due to vandalism and the lack of power required to operate the submersible pump used for drainage. Additionally, as the pool is a tidal pool, wave action and rainfall cause water to flow back into the facility, making complete drainage difficult,” said Sisilana.

She added that scheduled draining and clearing of the pool has been implemented as part of ongoing maintenance efforts.

The Winklespruit and Dakota Beach swimming pools are also suffering from the same problem and remain closed. Ward 97 councillor André Beetge said options of turning these pools into tidal pools were being weighed.

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