The state of the surroundings of the Hofland Park Swimming Pool interferes with the swimming calendar of the Rand Private School.
Mrs Christine Cumberland said the school has raised its concerns with pool authorities but little has been done.
“The frequent dirt in the change room is unbearable. Recently there were even sanitary towels on the floor in the change rooms. There are permanent leaks from women’s bathrooms and change rooms. Almost every Monday there are lots of papers lying around throughout the premises,” she said.
She said she has had to complain to the pool management before the clean up happens.
“The water in the main pool is in an acceptable condition but not the surroundings. The grass is overgrown and visiting the pool with pupils is not safe.
“The grass on the pavement around the pool is overgrown and a criminal can easily hide there. The barricading wire on the same pavement is down and covered with overgrown grass. This forces us to walk on the road, putting our pupils in danger. We cannot do that,” Mrs Cumberland said.
She said the school was supposed to host a swimming gala soon but that might not happen due to the state of the pool.
Frequent users of the Hofland Park Swimming Pool said it has two employees who are supposed to be managers, life guards, general workers and cleaners.
Ward 66 councillor, Clr Carols da Rocha said the City of Johannesburg cannot manage its assets.
“The officials know that they have to cut grass. How come they say the city does not have budget to do that? This is the operations budget. I do not understand how the council cannot make provision for its operations budget? When I ask council to cut grass or add staff for these pools, I am told there is no money. If one life guard is sick the pool has to be closed. This is because the city cannot hire enough life guards,” he said.
An inquiry was sent to Ms Thembelihle Radebe and Ms Dudu Lushaba from the City of Johannesburg communications department on Wednesday, February 10, with a request for comment by Thursday, February 11, at 10am. At the time of going to print no comment had been received.
