Excitement and festivity filled East London’s most loved aquatic centre, Joan Harrison, as its doors were finally open to the public once more.
The pool reopened right on time for the East London Border swimming trials gala which kicked off yesterday.
More than 100 cars were parked outside the centre, with parents, teachers and coaches, swimmers from schools as well of members of the public gathered to enjoy the water at the newly upgraded facility.
Parents and supporters filled the grand podium to watch the youth as they enjoyed the water. The kid’s pool was also opened, and little ones were seen dipping their feet into the water for relief from the heat.
Lifeguards could also be seen keeping an eye out over the pools. They are back at work after their week-long strike.
Scores of young people jumped, splashed and backstroked into the clear-blue 5m pool, while the 1.7 m pool was reserved for the gala.
Sisanda Mkutshulwa and her friends happily swam and played in the water.
Mkhutshulwa said it was their first time at the centre.
“We’re having such a great time, it’s a great way to cool off in this heat,” Mkutshulwa said.
U8 to U13 primary school swimmers were also enjoying the pool during the schools gala.
Grade 7 Stirling Primary swimmer Tayls Greyvenstein said she was relieved that the pools were open once more. “We’ll get to practise and compete once more.
“The water is great, just a little murky.”
Buffalo City Metro spokesman Samkelo Ngwenya said the pools were opened once more after the illegal pool strike came to an end.
“We can confirm that the illegal and unprotected strikes are over.
“Employees are back at their respective stations. Our pools are back in operation. We would like to sincerely apologise to all residents who were inconvenienced by such actions.”
Buffalo City Aquatics president Ian Schulein said: “We are excited that we can finally get into the pools. Athletes are three months behind with training, but it’s great that it’s open for the gala happening from today.
“We will be monitoring the water so that it’s as clear as possible. We’re just hoping that the centre will finally remain open.” — nonsindisoq@dispatch.co.za
Joan Harrison centre reopens with fanfare
The pool reopened right on time for the East London Border swimming trials gala which kicked off yesterday.
More than 100 cars were parked outside the centre, with parents, teachers and coaches, swimmers from schools as well of members of the public gathered to enjoy the water at the newly upgraded facility.
Parents and supporters filled the grand podium to watch the youth as they enjoyed the water. The kid’s pool was also opened, and little ones were seen dipping their feet into the water for relief from the heat.
Lifeguards could also be seen keeping an eye out over the pools. They are back at work after their week-long strike.
Scores of young people jumped, splashed and backstroked into the clear-blue 5m pool, while the 1.7 m pool was reserved for the gala.
Sisanda Mkutshulwa and her friends happily swam and played in the water.
Mkhutshulwa said it was their first time at the centre.
“We’re having such a great time, it’s a great way to cool off in this heat,” Mkutshulwa said.
U8 to U13 primary school swimmers were also enjoying the pool during the schools gala.
Grade 7 Stirling Primary swimmer Tayls Greyvenstein said she was relieved that the pools were open once more. “We’ll get to practise and compete once more.
“The water is great, just a little murky.”
Buffalo City Metro spokesman Samkelo Ngwenya said the pools were opened once more after the illegal pool strike came to an end.
“We can confirm that the illegal and unprotected strikes are over.
“Employees are back at their respective stations. Our pools are back in operation. We would like to sincerely apologise to all residents who were inconvenienced by such actions.”
Buffalo City Aquatics president Ian Schulein said: “We are excited that we can finally get into the pools. Athletes are three months behind with training, but it’s great that it’s open for the gala happening from today.
“We will be monitoring the water so that it’s as clear as possible. We’re just hoping that the centre will finally remain open.” — nonsindisoq@dispatch.co.za
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