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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini has written to the Head of Parks and Recreation, Simphiwe Ndlovu, to request answers on the deteriorating state of the Illovo municipal public swimming pool which has since been completely closed without any prior notice to the public due to an unbearable sewer smell.

Following numerous complaints from the community of Illovo and surrounding areas, the DA conducted an urgent oversight visit and can confirm that beyond the fact that the swimming pool is now totally closed to the public due to an uncontrollable sewer overflow, the pool is empty, clearly demonstrating the ongoing neglect of this important community facility.

Of great concern is the sewer overflow which for months has been affecting municipal employees working in the facility and the nearby school, Illovo primary school which has had to withstand the unbearable smell, posing a serious health hazard to the employees, learners, and educators. The DA strongly condemns this clear disregard for the community’s health and wellbeing.

The DA has requested urgent answers on whether the municipality has any immediate plans to repair the sewer problems and to refurnish this facility, and if there are any budgets made available to get it back to its state. We have also requested a detailed timeline for when the work on this facility will begin and be completed, if any exist.

Like most failing infrastructure in the city under the ANC and EFF coalition government, it is apparent that the municipality is incapable of prioritising the improvements and maintenance of municipal infrastructure, especially facilities that are meant to benefit residents across the city.

We strongly urge the municipality to take responsibility for its failure and begin to address the needs of the community. The DA will use all possible avenues to fight for residents and the people of eThekwini to receive better services from this broken municipality.

Issued by Councillor Bawinile Nxumalo - DA eThekwini Councillor