R1.5 million to refurbish a swimming pool which remains closed

The Bakenpark swimming pool in Bethlehem in the Free State remains closed despite the Dihlabeng Local Municipality allocating R1.5 million for its refurbishment.

The VrystaatKroon Newspaper reported that residents have been waiting for years for the swimming pools to reopen.

However, there are no signs that the Dihlabeng Local Municipality is working to ensure that this swimming pool becomes operational.

On Monday, 20 July 2026, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Dihlabeng said R1.5 million had been allocated for the refurbishment of the Bakenpark swimming pool.

“Unfortunately, the reality on the ground tells a different story,” said Dihlabeng Local Municipality councillor Estie Senekal.

“From what is currently visible, the work appears to consist mainly of replacing the perimeter fence, while the swimming pool itself remains out of operation.”

She said that residents are entitled to ask whether this is the best use of R1.5 million. The Bakenpark and Muller Street swimming pools have stood unused for years.

“I have repeatedly requested a progress report and a realistic timeline for the project’s completion. To date, no response has been received,” she said.

“The lack of visible progress at both swimming pools raises questions about the municipality’s commitment to restoring these community facilities.”

The DA has called on the municipality to publish a breakdown of how the R1.5 million allocation is being spent.

It also asked that the municipality disclose how much has already been spent and on which aspects of the project.

“The municipality must release the outstanding technical progress report and provide reopening dates for the Bakenpark and Muller Street swimming pools,” she said.

“The children of Dihlabeng deserve safe, functional public swimming pools. Residents deserve transparency about how public money is spent.”