The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini has written to the City Manager, Musa Mbhele, calling for urgent intervention and action regarding the long-neglected Illovo Municipal Swimming Pool (view letter here).
This pool has been closed for nearly two years without any public notice or communication.
The DA calls on the municipality to:
1. Immediately address the sewage problem affecting the pool and ensure that proper sanitation measures are implemented to prevent further contamination.
2. Provide a clear timeline for the reopening of the Illovo Swimming Pool, including steps for repairs and maintenance.
The facility, located near the Illovo Primary School and a community park, has become an eyesore and a safety hazard due to persistent maintenance failures and improper handling of sewage overflow into the pool area.
Over the festive season, the DA conducted an oversight visit to the site, which revealed that the swimming pool remains empty, with no water, and the sewage issue unresolved. This situation not only poses a significant health risk to the community but also deprives the residents of a vital public resource, particularly children who rely on the pool for recreational activities.
Despite several attempts to engage with the local authorities and the Head of Parks and Recreation, there has been no clear response or a concrete plan of action to restore the pool. The lack of communication and transparency regarding the closure is unacceptable, and the community deserves immediate answers and solutions.
The DA has received numerous complaints from concerned residents of Illovo and surrounding areas, who are disappointed by the municipality’s failure to maintain a facility that has long served as a hub for leisure and sports. The Illovo Swimming Pool is an essential public space, and its closure for such an extended period, with no progress or updates, reflects poor governance and neglect.
The DA will continue to advocate for swift action on this matter until it is resolved.