NEW: Epworth’s ‘pool of death’ to become a recreational area 

PLANS are underway to transform Epworth’s “pool of death” – an abandoned quarry mine – into a recreational area.

The site is notorious for suicide, murder, accidental drowning and infanticide cases.

Two non-profit organisations – New Generation and the House of Arts – have engaged the Epworth Local Board with a proposal to spruce up the area surrounding the pool and turn it into a recreational zone.

New Generation director Wayne Mufarinya said the initiative will help prevent unnecessary loss of lives.

“By fencing off the area and turning it into a recreational area, those that intend to commit suicide in the pool will not have access to it,” he said.

“Furthermore, muggers and those that throw infants into the pool will also be denied access.”

Casper Chigama of the House of Arts said, apart from turning it into a recreational area, the pool is set to become a source of livelihood for locals.

“Water from the dam will also be used for irrigation purposes. We will help locals set up market gardening projects,” he said.

Epworth Local Board engineer Bernard Wiridzai confirmed the development.

“All I can is that the two organisations approached us with the proposal to turn the area surrounding the pool into a recreational area,” he said.

“As council, we are yet to sit down and make a determination on the matter. In my view, this is a noble idea which will save lives.”