Region F residents will not be enjoying any pool time at Rhodes Park swimming pool this spring.
The pool will remain closed due to water seepage from the pool.
Siyanda Mnukwa from the department of community development said they are aware of the pool issues.
Also read: R1.8-m used for Rhodes Park swimming pool renovations
“An inspection of the Rhodes Park swimming pool was done, and it showed that the pool had a leak.
“Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the leak was very severe and water was flowing into the lake. We had to close the pool last year.
“As a result, a complete assessment of the problem is needed and the situation is further complicated by the fact that the pool is over 60 years old,” said Mnukwa.
The pool closed several years ago due to structural damage that was caused by soil movement.
In 2013, the refurbishment of the Rhodes Park swimming pool started and continued into 2014.
Also read: Rhodes Park swimming pool finally open
R1.8-million was used to renovate the pool.
The renovations included:
• Refurbishment of ablution facilities.
• Electrical upgrades.
• Tiling.
• Painting of the interior and exterior buildings.
• Filtration pipe replacements.
• Repairs to the cracked pool shell.
• Re-tiling of the pool shell.
• Roof sealing and painting.
• Repairs to the filtration pump and strainer box.
• Paving around the pool.
In response to why the leak was not discovered when the refurbishment was done in 2014, Mnukwa said the contractor was assigned to fix the cracks in the pool.
“The leaks were only discovered at a later stage. This is why the department is doing a comprehensive assessment of the pool to see what the root cause of the leaks is.
“The contractor that has been commissioned now will do a complete engineering assessment of the pool,” explained Mnukwa.
Also read: Rhodes Park swimming pool closed again
She said the assessment of the pool is underway, and that the findings will guide them with a way forward.
“At this point, it is premature to say how long it will take to fix the pool. The recommendations put forward by the contractor will determine how long it will take to address the challenge. Residents of Region F will be notified of the progress. The maintenance of the city pools is a priority for the department of community development,” said Mnukwa.
Ward 66 Clr Carlos Da Rocha has expressed his concern in 2015 during the renovations.
“I highlighted my concerns to the department’s management during the renovations, and I was assured by the pool experts the repairs were done properly,” said Da Rocha.
He said he was disappointed that the residents would not enjoy their spring next to the swimming pool.
“Resident will not be able to utilise this pool which is sad. I hope the problem will be addressed and that the pool will be properly fixed.” Residents will have to use alternative pools which will be out of the area,” said Da Rocha.
Mnukwa advised residents to use other pools in Region F.
“Region F has a few pools that residents can enjoy. They are Ellis Park, Yeoville, Hofland Park, Malvern, Forest Hill, Southern Suburbs, Turffontein and Moffat Park. They will all be ready by September.”
MMC for Community of Development Nonhlanhla Sifumba visited the city’s pools to inspect and to ascertain that all repairs and maintenance that needed to be carried out in the pools have been carried out.
