It took the province's Sports and Recreation Department more than 10 years to complete the construction of a public swimming pool in Butterworth, Eastern Cape. But four years after the R18-million project was completed, the pool has never been opened.
First, Mlonyeni Construction was appointed in 2008. However, after his R7 million was paid to the company, he had his contract terminated in March 2012 due to poor performance. He reported on this in 2016.
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Department spokesperson Andile Nduna said Delebex CC 320 was then hired to complete the R11 million project, which was completed in 2019.
In 2021, state Treasury spokesperson Phumelele Godongwana confirmed that the ministry was investigating allegations that costs had ballooned during the 10-year construction project. He hasn't answered our recent questions.
The pool was then handed over to the Mnquma Municipality in April 2019, which is now responsible for its operation.
There is a large pool, two children's pools, four large aquariums, five resting areas and a braai facility. However, none of these are open to the public, the fences have been destroyed, and the facilities have begun to be destroyed. At least one intrusion has been confirmed.
Butterworth residents have been waiting in vain for more than a decade, hoping to take advantage of the public pool and its facilities. Image: Nombulelo Damba-Hendrik/GroundUp
The pool will host state and national swim exams, according to a memorandum of understanding between the department and the municipality.
There are a number of bed and breakfast establishments in the area, and residents and informal traders hoped the pool would attract customers.
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City spokesperson Loyiso Mpalatsana said the pool would be filled with water from the borehole but still needed to be connected.
He said a security guard is employed 24 hours a day to look after the pool, but there was no security guard on the two occasions we visited.
Mr Mpalatsana said city administrator Silumko Mahlasela had directed regional services staff to carry out a full inspection of the premises, assess any structural deficiencies or damage and prepare a cost estimate. Stated.
© 2024 GroundUp. This article was originally published here.
