In fulfillment of Section 20 (d) of the constitution which provides for “opportunities for recreational activities and access to recreational facilities; for youths, City of Mutare has re-opened the Main Bath swimming pool after undergoing makeover. This should be applauded and surely is the antidote that the doctor prescribed for a sport that was on a nosedive due to many challenges, chief among them is poor facilities and the Covid-19 induced inactivity. Thank You City of Mutare. The Mutare main Bath pool is one of the few swimming pools in the country certified to host national swimming competitions.However, there is as yet no discussion on the re-opening of city’s second swimming facility, Sakubva swimming pool. The swimming pool is in a state of despair, despite the local authority stating during the 2022 budget consultations that they had budgeted for the upgrade and repair of the pool. Swimming facilities like these need to re-open for the good of the sport and also as a weapon in the fight against the spread of drug abuse especially amongst the youths. Neglecting these social amenities will result in youths engaging in anti-social activities because they have nowhere to positively expend their energies. Drugs and substance abuse continues to be on the rise in Zimbabwe especially amongst the youths and provision of recreational facilities such as Sakubva swimming pool is a low hanging fruit available to mitigate this social ill nagging society. The statistics on drug and substance abuse continues to rise. The prevailing socio economic situation makes it difficult for kids and youths interested in swimming to regularly travel from their places in Sakubva, Dangamvura, or Hobhouse to the main Bath and this is where the call for reopening of Sakubva swimming pool becomes relevant. That there are budgetary and resource constraints hindering the construction of new facilities in the sprawling high density areas is real that is why we are request for the repair of existing facilities and not new ones. Re-open Sakubva swimming pool it will be of much benefit to the community since pool facility is likely to be the biggest attraction and the biggest money maker or go-to hangout spot especially in Summer.
Swimming facilities can be a sensible and safe option here and they provide considerably more safety, as disinfection of the pool water with chlorine for excellent protection from all bacteria and viruses including Corona Viruses. Infection via the water can thus be also prevented.Recreation and sport is not about winning, it’s about helping build stronger, healthier, happier, and safer communities and communities that participate in sport and recreation develop strong social bonds, are safer places and the people who live in them are generally healthier and happier than places where physical activity isn’t a priority. A well known minister once said “a dive in the swimming pool on a hot summer day has never failed to put people in relief” this statement simply means that the community pool is one of the best amenities that both the adults and the kids can enjoy and can give community members a reason to come together and enjoy and build bonds but you are depriving the community. Thus we are pleading with the council, Plenty of time has gone by without any action that has been done, what are you intending to do?
Let the children swim, let the youths swim let’s bring back swimming home.