Clean Queenstown Leads Major Rescue of Komani’s Derelict Public Pool

Komani’s long-neglected public swimming pool — once the subject of community frustration and safety concerns — is finally seeing meaningful action, thanks to a major clean-up operation led by Clean Queenstown and supported by local partners.

This week’s effort follows ongoing complaints from residents who say the site had deteriorated into a dumping ground and a hotspot for unsafe activities. Now, for the first time in years, the area is showing signs of revival even if its just a big clean-up for now.

The initiative comes two weeks after Komani News published a detailed investigation into the derelict state of the facility, which highlighted broken infrastructure, overgrown grounds, damaged buildings and stagnant water that residents described as a “danger zone for kids” and an example of civic neglect.

Clean Queenstown has now stepped forward to tackle the issue head-on.

A Huge Community-Driven Effort Begins

On 25 November, Clean Queenstown announced that they had “a flying start to the week” after teaming up with Mr Andrew Nel from The Victoria Butchery & Deli to take on what they describe as “one of the biggest tasks we’ve undertaken by far.”

Responding to numerous community complaints, the team began working on the exterior of the Rec swimming pool property — an area so neglected that grass had grown inside gutters and over the pavement.

Volunteers spent the entire day clearing the overgrowth and were able to fill 18 sacks (50kg each) of waste and vegetation in a single session.

The clean-up revealed just how severely the grounds had deteriorated. Weeds, tall grass and piled rubbish had completely obscured large sections of the pavement and drainage routes around the facility.

Queen’s College Grounds Team Brings Essential Expertise

The second day of the operation saw an even bigger breakthrough when Clean Queenstown received hands-on support from the grounds staff of Queen’s College Boys’ High School.

Equipped with professional tools and machinery, the QCBHS team — well-known in the region for their disciplined groundskeeping and strong community values — provided critical muscle and expertise.

Their contribution included:

• Bringing a tractor and grass-cutting equipment

• Clearing the lawn around the pool

• Cutting down overgrown trees

• Transporting all refuse bags collected on both days

• Carting away the bulk of tree cuttings and debris

Their involvement ensured that the first major phase of the clean-up ended as a success.

The Rec Pool: A Facility That Became a Dumpsite

Residents have long complained that the Rec pool had become unsafe and unsightly.

As reported by Komani News on 12 November, the pool had fallen into a state of ruins:

• Cracked walls and broken structures

• Algae-filled stagnant rainwater

• Overgrown thorn bushes and trees

• Interior buildings filled with old rubbish

• Vandalism and structural decay

• Individuals using the premises for unsafe activities

Nearby residents described the environment as “nasty and disgusting”, with many calling for proper fencing, restoration or redevelopment.

Clean Queenstown’s initiative is the first large-scale effort to address those concerns since the municipality acknowledged earlier this year that its recreation facilities require urgent attention.

A Turning Point Driven by the Community

While this week’s work does not restore the pool to full functionality, it marks a clear turning point:

• The site is no longer overrun by unchecked vegetation

• Rubbish has been physically removed

• Safety hazards around the exterior have been significantly reduced

• Visibility around the property has improved dramatically

• Community participation is increasing

Most importantly, the initiative shows what can happen when residents, local businesses and schools collaborate to reclaim deteriorating public spaces.

Residents Encouraged to Support Clean Queenstown

Clean Queenstown continues to run entirely on community support, donations and volunteerism.
Given the scale of this clean-up — and more still to come — the organisation encourages residents to assist by donating on their official BackaBuddy page:

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/clean-queenstown

Funds help cover tools, refuse removal, fuel, equipment hire and logistical costs necessary for big restorations like the Rec pool.

What Comes Next?

Clean Queenstown is expected to continue restoration efforts as part of its broader mission to create a cleaner, safer and more functional Komani.

The Rec pool remains a municipal property, and long-term decisions — whether restoration, redevelopment or decommissioning — still rest with the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.

In the meantime, community-led action is filling the gap, proving once again that civic pride and teamwork can drive meaningful change.