Swimming pools in Bloemfontein neglected, vandalised, and abandoned
The majority of Mangaung’s municipal swimming pools are currently not operational or ready for the upcoming summer season.
Werner Pretorius, a member of the Free State Provincial Legislature, said that Mangaung Metro’s management is to blame.
“The city has allowed its municipal swimming pools and recreational facilities to decay into unsafe, unusable spaces,” he said.
“What should be places where families gather, and children learn to swim, have been left neglected, vandalised and, in some cases, abandoned.”
Over the past week, Pretorius visited the Bloemanda and Heidedal Municipal Swimming Pools in the city.
“Both of these swimming pools were closed to the public and filled with dark green, foul-smelling water,” he said.
“The Heidedal facility recently fell victim to theft and vandalism, with pumps and electrical equipment either damaged or stolen.”
He added that it was alarming that there was a lack of municipal swimming facilities for 200,000 people in Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu.
Pools in rural communities such as Dewetsdorp and Wepener also lie barren, which means the community does not have access to these facilities.
“The historic Arthur Nathan Swimming Pool at the foot of the iconic Naval Hill has great potential as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP),” he said.
This is because the area has seen substantial private-sector investment in accommodation over the last few years.
“The Metro has failed to maintain, upgrade and secure these facilities, leaving communities without safe, functional spaces for recreation and sport,” he said.
“When pools, fields, stadiums and halls are derelict, we lose opportunities to develop talent, create jobs, and give our communities hope for a better future.”
He added that functional recreational facilities help keep young people away from drugs and crime, promote healthy living, develop sporting talent and build community pride.
“When these facilities are neglected, communities lose safe spaces where young people can participate, develop and thrive,” he said.
Heidedal and Bloemanda swimming pool photos
Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu swimming pool photos
Dewetsdorp and Wepener pools
Arthur Nathan Swimming Pool
Loading ...
Non swimmers.