Govt swimming pool at Quepem turns into a ‘green pond’

Panaji: There’s no respite for swimmers at the Quepem swimming pool, owned by the directorate of sports and youth affairs (DSYA).

The poor quality of water at the pool has been well-documented with swimmers complaining that the facility is unhealthy and unsafe. In April, when complaints piled up, the govt did get the pool back into shape, but the facility has now returned to the same green look, full of algae.

“I go there three times a week and the pool in-charge always gives the same excuses: not enough lifeguards, lack of chemicals,” said Harish Kamat, a businessman from Curchorem and two-time Ironman participant. “Previously, when John (Fernandes) was in charge, the pool was well maintained. There was no reason to complain. In fact, whenever Margao (pool) had issues, swimmers came here.”

According to multiple swimmers, the pool has now turned into a “green pond”.

"My daughter is a national-level swimmer, who took part in several School Nationals. The Quepem facility is just a five-minute walk for us. She has been training at Margao due to lack of maintenance here. We travel an hour every day just for training.”

The poor condition of the pool has been brought to the notice of local MLA Altone D'Costa, who is expected to raise the issue during the monsoon session of the state assembly.

"The complaints have fallen to deaf ears,” said D'Costa. “I will raise the issue in the assembly as the facility serves swimmers from nearby localities such as Sanguem, Sanvordem, Quepem, Chandor and other areas."

Fernandes, the previous in-charge who has now retired from service, said the pump needs attention and was put to optimum use.

“During peak summer (time), almost 100 swimmers used the facility. We ensured that the facility is in best condition and kept a stock of chemicals required for maintenance. Any request (for additional stock) was sent well in advance."

Ajit Dessai, who took over in 2023, said shortage of lifeguards, staff, pumps and chemicals, was a big handicap.

"I have to close the pool due to a shortage of staff as one lifeguard met with an accident and the other is on leave. I have written to the higher authorities," said Dessai.

At the recent state-level aquatic meet at Ponda, swimmers from Sanquem, Sanvordem and Quepem could not participate for lack of practice.

“There were very few swimmers at the Ponda meet," said Goa Swimming Association secretary Sudesh Nagvenkar. “It is natural that when the facility is not maintained as per standard, the participation and results for swimmers from that area gets affected.”