Victoria Falls youths throng swimming pool as temperatures soar

Leonard Ncube,Online Reporter

WHILE the southern parts of the country are enjoying occasional showers, the searing heat is becoming unbearable in Victoria Falls where residents have found a new hobby in swimming.

Over the weekend, temperatures hovered between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius and the city’s residents, especially teenagers thronged the swimming pool along Pioneer Road.

The swimming pool was crowded on Saturday afternoon as young people sought to cool down.

Entry fees are pegged at US$1 per person to enter and inside there was loud music played by some DJs that have set their system to entertain the leisure makers.

While outside the swimming pool premises it is written that children under the age of 12 years should be accompanied by adults, Chronicle observed that most of the children were not accompanied as they trickled in.

The swimming pool has become the leisure spot for young people in the city as afternoons get hotter.

The pool was crowded by swimmers of all ages in the teenage age group and some below.

Some who could not raise the entry fees could be seen watching over the precast wall and occasionally engaging in running battles with some caretakers who chased them away.

“It’s hot and as long as we are not at school we come here to swim so that we cool off,” said one teenager.

Another one said: “It pains me to be watching others swim because we don’t have the dollar that they are demanding to gain entry. May you talk to them for us.”

The swimming pool was reopened a few years ago after undergoing renovations funded as part of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly 2013 legacy projects.

About US$60 000 was set aside after the country successfully co-hosted the historic UNWTO General Assembly, and the Victoria Falls business community had suggested that the money be used to construct a swimming pool with a multi-purpose facility to attract world competitions to further boost tourism.

The pool had been closed as it had become a security concern and also after it had developed some cracks on its floor which were causing loss of water.– @ncubeleon