adminLeonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
THE Victoria Falls swimming pool, which was renovated at a cost of about $50 000, continues lying idle as the municipality is failing to find the best way of running it.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) injected $60 000 for legacy projects in Victoria Falls in 2014 and $47 500 was used to renovate the swimming pool.
It had been earmarked for professional and recreational swimming by tourists and locals.
The swimming pool was commissioned in December 2017 and handed over to the Victoria Falls Municipality amid promises that it was going to be opened immediately.
It, however, remains closed despite rising demand from locals, who include schoolchildren that require swimming lessons.
Chairperson of the steering committee set up by the municipality to run the swimming pool Olga Mutamba said people were now crowding small private pools at hotels and lodges.
“We have been approached by people asking why the pool has not been opened and some operators complaining about crowding at their facilities.
“Everyone believed that it would be open by now as the legacy project put a lot of money,” said Mutamba.
“The idea was to benefit local youths and children as well as visitors and above all those doing swimming classes”.
Town clerk Ronnie Dube said efforts were being made to come up with ideas on how the swimming pool can be operated.
“Council advertised for expression of interest, but we didn’t get any takers and we are now strategising on the way forward,” Dube said.
Online Reporter