Municipal pool water goes from unkept to overdosed
CHILDREN were left battling to breathe after an excess of chemicals was released on Saturday, 11 January into the already beleaguered Lt King municipal public pool in Fynnlands.
The pool had been described as murky, with slime and algae prevalent. Comments on social media include sitings of worms and human excrement during the festive season.
Complaints about this state of disrepair throughout the busy festive season turned more vociferous when a chemical build-up poured out, leaving swimmers with burning eyes. Vomiting children were quickly pulled out the pool by their horrified parents and medical personal were called to assist.
Eye witnesses claim the staff on hand, including the lifeguards, were unwilling to assist. “I no longer allow my family to use the pool after my daughter returned with extreme burning in her eyes, which only a thorough rinsing with milk could ease,” said one mother. This response has been echoed by many, who refuse to return to the pool.
eThekwini Municipality officials attended the site and acting manager of amenities, Brian Taylor said: “A site meeting was held today, 17 January, at 9.30am, at Lt King Pool. We discussed at length the incident regarding the build-up of chemicals within the filtration system. We went through an elimination process of possible causes and believe we have a logical explanation. This incident was an isolated event and we have taken the necessary steps to avoid this happening in the future.”
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
