Only two days after announcing that all public swimming pools would be closed for the festive season, the City of Ekurhuleni said it would revisit this decision in 2019.
The decision to close pools from December 21 to January 2 caused an outcry among residents.
Read: Municipal pools closed over festive season
The reason cited by Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Services Clr Dora Mlambo at the time was that pools would be closed “due to the limited number of officials, including life guards, available during this time, as most have taken leave”.
Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the city manager, announced on December 20 that the city had consulted with various stakeholders and relevant departments with regards to the closure of swimming pools.
“As a result, the city will revisit the council resolution of 2006, which is directing that pools, as non-essential services, should not be operational for a period of time,” he said.
“Due to the need and demand from the public, as a caring and responsible city, we shall seek a new council resolution that will enable us to have these facilities opened during the festive season as from the next festive season – but will be closed on December 25 and 26 and January 1.
“We will ensure that risks and challenges such as crowd control and the health and safety of our communities at these facilities are of high priority.
“The city undertakes to ensure that when the next swimming season begins in September, a new council resolution, which is aimed at addressing the swimming needs of our communities, is in place.”
For the rest of the swimming season, the pools will be operational six days a week – Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 6pm; Sunday and public holidays between 2pm and 6pm.
Also read: Residents urged to register for 2019 elections
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