Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
BULAWAYO residents will once again have access to the city’s municipal swimming pools from Friday, with the local authority reopening its five public swimming facilities for the 2026 swimming season.
The reopening of the Barham Green, Bulawayo City Pool, Northend, Mpopoma and Luveve pools comes as the city enters the warmer months, providing residents, particularly children and young people, with access to affordable recreational facilities while promoting swimming as an essential life-saving skill.
The City of Bulawayo said all five municipal pools will open to the public on Friday, August 28, with facilities offering swimming, lessons and lifesaving courses, among other community activities.
The reopening is expected to provide residents with opportunities to improve their swimming abilities and enhance water-safety awareness, while also offering additional venues for activities such as garden weddings and church baptisms.
According to a notice issued by Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube, the pools will operate morning and afternoon sessions, with slightly different operating hours at the Bulawayo City Pool.
From Monday to Friday, Barham Green, Northend, Mpopoma and Luveve pools will open from 9.30AM to 1PM before reopening from 2PM to 5.30PM.
The Bulawayo City Pool will operate from 9.30AM to 2PM for the morning session and from 3PM to 5.30PM for the afternoon session on weekdays.
At weekends, all five municipal pools will operate from 9.30AM to 1PM and from 2PM to 5.30PM.
The council has staggered weekly closures at some facilities to allow for routine maintenance and other operational requirements.
Mpopoma and Northend pools will be closed on Mondays, while Barham Green and Luveve pools will be closed on Tuesdays.
The Bulawayo City Pool will remain open throughout the week, except on public holidays.
Beyond recreation, the council continues to promote swimming lessons and lifesaving courses as part of efforts to equip residents with skills that can help prevent drowning incidents.
The availability of municipal pools is particularly important for children and adults seeking to learn or improve their swimming skills in a controlled environment.
The council has urged members of the public using the facilities to familiarise themselves with the operating schedules and comply with all safety requirements at the pools.
