Swimmers Dive Back In as Mare-d’Albert Pool Reopens After 2-Year Closure

The Mare-d’Albert swimming pool has officially reopened its doors to the public after an extensive renovation and a closure of over two years. The facility, now fully refurbished, became accessible this past Sunday, November 9, much to the relief of the local swimming community in the South.

Minister Slams ‘Negligence’ for Extended Inactivity

The lengthy period of inaccessibility was squarely attributed to “the negligence of the previous government,” according to a statement released by the Ministry of Sports. The Ministry underlined that the re-opening had been eagerly awaited by local swimmers and young people.

Sports Minister Deven Nagalingum was present at the re-opening ceremony and recalled the “deplorable state” of the pool when he initially took office.

“It’s one of the first infrastructures I visited after my nomination and I was disgusted to see the state it was in,” the Minister stated. He explained that all necessary resources were mobilised for the refurbishment, adding that the work “took time because it turned out to be more substantial than anticipated.”

Commitment to Wider Sports Infrastructure

Mr. Nagalingum expressed his delight that the pool “has recovered all its splendour” and said he was “happy, especially for the swimmers who were impatiently awaiting this moment.”

The Minister also confirmed that a number of other sports facilities, which he described as being “totally neglected and devoid of maintenance for several years,” are currently undergoing renovation and are expected to reopen soon.

He concluded: “We are doing everything possible so that the population can practice sport in the best conditions.”

Source: Le Mauricien