Key Takeaways
- Two public swimming pools in Komani, the Rec Swimming Pool and the Dumpy Adams Swimming Pool, have fallen into disrepair due to vandalism and lack of maintenance.
- The pools were once vibrant gathering places for families and young people, but have been abandoned and are now used as hiding places for drug users and criminals.
- The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has planned to establish a public-private partnership to maintain the facilities, but proposals did not meet the municipality’s objectives.
- The municipality is now developing a plan to resuscitate the pools and will apply for funding in early 2026.
- A non-profit organization, Clean Queenstown, has led a clean-up of the pool area and is working to restore the town’s facilities.
Introduction to the Problem
The public swimming pools in Komani, built decades ago, have fallen into a state of disrepair. The Rec Swimming Pool in Top Town, once a popular gathering place for families and young people, has declined significantly since 2015. The pool’s facilities have cracked walls and broken windows, and the water has turned green. Residents have reported that the abandoned site has become a hiding place for drug users and criminals, posing a threat to the community. Similarly, the Dumpy Adams Swimming Pool in Victoria Park has been out of use since at least 2017 and is in an even worse condition, with broken windows, vandalized toilets, and damaged basins and seats.
Current State of the Pools
The current state of the pools is a far cry from their former glory. The Rec Swimming Pool, which was once a vibrant hub of activity, is now a shadow of its former self. The facilities are in a state of disrepair, and the water is unfit for use. The Dumpy Adams Swimming Pool is in an even worse condition, with the entire facility having been renovated in 2009, only to be left to decay. The soccer and cricket facilities that form part of the sports grounds are no longer used, and the pool is empty. The broken windows, vandalized toilets, and damaged basins and seats are a testament to the lack of maintenance and care that the facility has received.
Efforts to Revitalize the Pools
In an effort to revitalize the pools, the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality had planned to establish a public-private partnership to maintain the facilities. A notice was published last year inviting interested parties to submit proposals, but unfortunately, the proposals did not meet the municipality’s objectives. The municipality is now developing a plan to resuscitate the pools and will apply for funding in early 2026. Additionally, a non-profit organization, Clean Queenstown, has led a clean-up of the pool area, cutting grass and removing rubbish. The organization’s chairperson, Simankele Vanqa, has expressed frustration with the state of the town and is working to restore the town’s facilities, including the swimming pools.
Community Impact
The decline of the swimming pools has had a significant impact on the community. The pools were once a hub of activity, where families and young people could gather to relax and have fun. However, the current state of the pools has driven people away, and the facilities are now used as hiding places for drug users and criminals. The community is eager to see the pools restored to their former glory, and the efforts of Clean Queenstown and the municipality are a step in the right direction. The restoration of the pools will not only provide a safe and healthy environment for the community but also help to revitalize the town and restore a sense of pride and community spirit.
Way Forward
The way forward for the swimming pools is clear. The municipality must develop a comprehensive plan to resuscitate the pools, including a detailed costing framework to apply for funding. The community must also come together to support the efforts of Clean Queenstown and the municipality. The restoration of the pools will require a collaborative effort, and it is essential that all stakeholders work together to achieve this goal. With the right plan, funding, and community support, it is possible to restore the swimming pools to their former glory and provide a safe and healthy environment for the community to enjoy. The municipality’s plan to apply for funding in early 2026 is a positive step, and it is essential that the community continues to push for progress and accountability to ensure that the pools are restored as soon as possible.