THE holiday season is set to bring a splash of excitement for children and families alike in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) as swimming pools across the region recently had their official opening.
With schools across South Africa having closed for the summer break, the availability of these facilities provides a much-needed recreational outlet for young residents. Among the pools set to reopen is the Gelvandale Swimming Pool, located in Ward 13. However, concerns have been raised about the condition and management of this community asset. In late November, Ward 13 Councillor, Ingrid van Wyk, highlighted these issues during an oversight visit.
“Earlier today I accompanied Councillor Sebenzile Rafani, DA Spokesperson for SRAC in NMBM, and Councillor Rene Meyer, member of the SRAC Committee, on an oversight visit to the Gelvandale Swimming Pool,” van Wyk stated. “Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is not putting in enough effort to deal with the dire situation at the Gelvandale Swimming Pool. Gelvandale Swimming Pool is a gem which is being taken for granted and neglected.
“With the summer season approaching fast, how can you put our children and the community in danger at a facility you do not look after? You are failing us,” she continued.
In response, NMBM Spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, offered reassurance that the municipality is committed to ensuring the safety and accessibility of the city’s swimming facilities.
“The official opening of swimming pools will be from December 16, 2024, to March 16, 2025,” he said. “The following swimming pools will be opened: Gelvandale, Zwide, Varsvlei, New Brighton, Westering, Rosedale, Newton Park, Motherwell, and Malabar (Rivera) swimming pools. The Directorate will also resuscitate the ‘Learn to Swim’ programme for all eight pools. The operational pools will always be manned by both Municipal permanent Lifeguards and Seasonal Lifeguards. A process of recruiting seasonal Lifeguards has been completed. The Metro is committed to providing a safe, clean, and family- and children-friendly environment in all the operational pools.”
Soyaya also mentioned ongoing maintenance and refurbishment efforts for other pools in the municipality that will not yet be operational. This initiative aims to enhance and expand leisure opportunities while ensuring that community members have access to safe and well-maintained recreational facilities, he emphasised.
