LIST of Ekurhuleni public pools ready to open for summer
Historically, the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) swimming pools have reopened on 1 September to mark Spring Day.
However, maintenance challenges, budget constraints and vandalism have prevented the COE from meeting its commitments in the past, writes the Boksburg Advertiser.
According to the publication, some pools are expected to reopen on time, while others will reopen on 3 September.
Public swimming pools in the following CoE suburbs will be open to the public next month:
Van Dyk Par
Atlasville
Reiger Park
Daveyton
Benoni North
Benoni Central
Klopperpark
Duduza
Delville
Alberton
Eden Park
Edenvale
Birchleigh
Brakpan
Selection Park
Faranani
Etwatwa
Disappointment for aquatic sports enthusiasts
Due to ongoing issues with heat pumps and air conditioners inside the dome, along with a leak in the main pump in the filter room, the Boksburg North indoor swimming pool will remain closed.
This is the only heated indoor Olympic-sized pool in Gauteng. This facility, which failed to open last September and has been closed all year, continues to face repair and maintenance and budget challenges.
Revitalised Van Dyk Park pool
On a brighter note, the newly-revamped Van Dyk Park Swimming Pool is set to reopen in September. After a significant R9 million renovation in 2021, the pool was forced to close again, allegedly due to damage from load shedding power surges.
The City has replaced the damaged pumps and is addressing further issues with the electricity supply.
“As part of the preparations our colleagues are cleaning the [pool] floor and we’ll be filling it up as soon as possible for reopening,” said municipal official Sabelo Gumbi.
“We’ve started cutting grass and pruning as well. The Parks department have definitely assisted us on that.”
Municipal official Sabelo Gumbi explains the upgrades at the Van Dyk Park swimming pool. Video: Boksburg Advertiser/ YouTube
Hard at work
Metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the majority of the public pool projects were completed during the off-season. This has included pump replacements, minor repairs, draining, acid washing, and refilling pools, as well as general maintenance like gardening.
Specific pools, such as Vosloorus and Thokoza, are undergoing repairs and new paving installations, while Alra Park has also received maintenance updates.
It was reported that lifeguard shortages were also an issue last year, though it remains unclear if this has been addressed.
Is there a public swimming pool near you in need of repairs?
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