Wentworth residents disappointed after pool reopening postponed

SCORES of children were left disappointed when eThekwini Municipality failed to reopen the Austerville Swimming Pool, situated on Retreat Street, on July 7.

Despite efforts from a group of fathers from the area, who attempted to refurbish, repair and reopen the pool, which was closed for the past four-and-a-half years, they were not allowed to assist with the repairs, because the pool had to be repaired by municipality.

ALSO READ:Wentworth community on a mission to restore public pool

Community member, Zane Scullard, said after months of discussion with the municipality, funds were recently allocated by the city for the restoration, which had been complete by July.

Although hopes were high that residents could once again enjoy recreational activities and swimming lessons at the pool, residents felt sidelined by the municipality when they gathered to make the best of their first swim in years, but were greeted with a locked gate.

With the aim of giving the children from Wentworth a memorable reopening, sponsors were secured by community leaders to give the children hampers and treats, but over 50 children sat outside the pool in the scorching heat when the pool remained closed.

Not long after they had arrived, residents were met with metro police officer who were sent to the area after receiving a complaint that people were trying to forcefully enter the pool, contrary to what the officers found when they had arrived.

ALSO READ: Austerville and Fynnland pools reopen

Pastor David Usher, a community leader in the area, said he hoped that the delay to reopen the pool will be short.

Determined to not let the challenges affect them, residents remained calm and sat patiently outside the pool for hours, awaiting feedback as to when the pool will reopen.

“I have been liaising with heads of the Department of Parks, Cemetries and Libraries and we were reassured that the pool will be inspected, signed off as safe, and then opened. We were told that this would happen early this week, and we will wait until then.

“There are various activities and treats which we have planned for the children and will notify residents on social media when they can bring their children along to the pool for the re-opening,” said Usher.

Ward councillor for the area, Aubrey Snyman, said he was disappointed that the community was being sidelined and that children were left outside the pool. The community was then told that there will be an official opening on July 9, but I was not made aware of this despite being the ward
councillor.

“I am saddened with the manner in which our community is being treated. This is unacceptable,” added Snyman.

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