National pool changing rooms were vandalised less than 48 hours after opening

The changing rooms at the national swimming pool complex were vandalised within less than 48 hours of the opening, Facility Manager Dermot Galea told The Malta Independent.

Mr Galea arrived at work yesterday morning to find that a number of things had been broken.

The National Pool closed its doors in December for extensive works, including maintenance works in the changing rooms. Mr Galea said that the changing rooms, which were modernised in 2015, had been vandalised several times.

He said that last week a meeting was held between the Aquatic Sports Association (ASA), the local clubs and the national pool management, where they were informed and warned to make good use of the facilities and take action to prevent vandalism.

Mr Galea told this newsroom that the vandalism in the changing rooms took place between 6 and 10pm when the Under 13 waterpolo youths were using the complex for a training session.

Between four and five clubs were using the pool and its facilities. “Since it is illegal to have CCTV cameras installed in the changing rooms, vandals can act with impunity. Also, we cannot deploy our staff to supervise the changing rooms because one needs to be careful when minors are changing.”

Mr Galea said a number of doors were damaged and dislodged doors and mirrors were broken. The place was also turned into a mess. “Last week, during our meeting, I insisted with the ASA and the clubs that if there was to be any vandalism, the clubs would have to pay for the damage.

“The message is clear: Any form of vandalism is unacceptable and we are going to address it as soon as possible.” Mr Galea said that, for the time being, the changing rooms are not going to be open to the public and the clubs.