Residents of Primrose and surrounding areas will have to find alternative means to cool down this summer as the Primrose swimming pool is closed until further notice.

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The pool was closed in January 2020.

According to the city’s spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, leaking underground pipes were the reason for the closure of the swimming pool.

“Due to the pool having a leaking underground filtration reticulation pipe, and it was losing a lot of water, we had to close it down in January 2020,” said Dlamini.

“Excavations were done on the broken pipes. It was discovered that the tree roots cracked and broke the underground cement pipes and the city repaired the inlet line.

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“The pool was then filled and was operational for a while when it was discovered that it was losing water again and unfortunately had to be closed again in November 2020,” said Dlamini.

He said the staff excavated around the suction side where the soil was wet.

However, the same problem with tree roots was discovered and pipes were replaced again.

“It was tested for leaks, but the pipe is still leaking – further underground towards the filter room.

“Officials are excavating towards the filter room and the cement pipes will be replaced with PVC pipes as soon as the whole pipe is visible,” said Dlamini.

“Due to the council’s budget limitations, there is no budget in the current Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF).

“It will be on the budget for in the future,” Dlamini said.