Cape Town - Law enforcement officers have been deployed in the Manenberg swimming pool to secure the facility after the residents, out of desperation, invaded it.
The Manenberg pool, which was anticipated to reopen on December 24 is facing further closure due to what the City said were health and safety reasons.
This, the community said, was not communicated, which led to them jumping over the fences in a desperate attempt to cool off during the scorching weekend weather.
Last month the City said repair work would be completed by December 23 and the pool would reopen, provided all safety requirements were met.
The other seven swimming pools which remain temporarily closed due to structural, mechanical, and electrical faults include Langa, Mnandi, Westridge, Parow Valley and Ravensmead.
Eastridge, Elsies River, Emthonjeni, Morningstar, Observatory and Vulindlela swimming pools would not reopen for the 2022/23 season.
Community leader Desmond Syce said the City failed in keeping its promise to the community and the residents’ actions were justified.
Syce said since the promised reopening date residents had been going to the facility and were turned away.
However, he said when the kids realised there was water in the pool, they invaded it with the assistance of their parents.
“We were told there was rust in the pipes and we believe this was supposed to have been sorted out, before the festive season.
“While we know the risks associated with swimming in the pool that wasn’t officially opened, these children have no alternative,” he said.
Syce said the water was later drained, forcing the youngsters to use an unsafe dam nearby, next to a sand mine. He said it was at this dam where in previous years numerous children drowned.
Youth Development co-ordinator Moegamat Ganief said the youth not only used the facility to swim, but it was a place of refuge for those who were escaping social ills, especially during the school holidays and weekends.
Community safety and health mayoral member Patricia van der Ross said when routine pool preparedness was undertaken rust was observed when the filtration plant was put into circulation. She said rust pushing through the pipes deteriorates water quality making it hazardous for public use.
“The pool needs to remain closed for the department to conduct a detailed assessment of the underground infrastructure and pipework.
“Our main concern is the safety and well-being of the community. At present, the health and safety risks of compromised water quality are quite significant,” she said.
Van der Ross said the department was engaging with community stakeholders to raise awareness about the safety risks and reasons for closure.