The Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool, located in North Beach, was officially reopened by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda on 9 November. The pool was closed due to infrastructural challenges.

THE recent opening of the Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool is just one of many preparations the City is undertaking to ensure an enjoyable and safe festive season for residents and visitors. The swimming pool, located in North Beach, was officially reopened by eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda on 9 November after it was closed due to infrastructural challenges.

The facility was closed last year due to sand entering the pool and blocking the filtration pipes. This has since been repaired and the pool opened for public use. Mayor Kaunda said as we are approaching the festive season, the Municipality has a team comprising of several units working together to ensure service delivery and safety issues are addressed in the City. “We are working tirelessly to ensure facilities that are malfunctioning for various reasons are working properly ahead of the festive season,” he said. 

The City is currently finalising the recruitment of seasonal workers who will be deployed at all beaches and swimming pools. This includes child minders, lifeguards and waste pickers. Mayor Kaunda said the opening of the Laguna Paddling Swimming Pool brings the tally to 34 swimming pools that are operational in the City. “We are also pleased to report that construction of the Children Amusement Centre (along the beachfront) is underway and is expected to be completed by 15 December,” he added. He said the Municipality is currently repairing other swimming pools, some of which are expected to be opened soon.

Mayor Kaunda urged communities to protect facilities saying these structures belong to them. “We want to condemn the vandalism of Municipal infrastructure. Some repairs are delayed because of the ongoing vandalism of important facilities,” he added.