LOCAL swimmers will have to wait until the end of October before they can enjoy a splash at the Lahee Park’s Olympic-sized pool.
The pool has been closed once again for repairs. It was emptied in May, but five months later, no repairs have been done.
According to Jean Lindsay, a DA councillor in New Germany and a passionate swimmer, she has been following the swimming pool saga since May 2008. The pool was closed for nearly 18 months to repair cracks and leaks and was reopened in October 2009.
The Parks Department completely relined the pool. But in October 2010, Lindsay noticed dark patches on the side walls and the bottom of the pool. She notified the Parks Department about her concerns, which was within the guarantee period, but no action was taken.
This year the pool was emptied again in May to conduct another repair job.
“It’s a disgrace that local swimmers have to go through this ordeal yet again,” said Lindsay.
According to media reports, city spokesman, Gopaul Singh, said extensive refurbishments were the reason for the delay in reopening the pool. He said the pool’s granite floor had been flaking badly, and was emptied so that it could be assessed by the architectural maintenance management department.
It was then decided the pool would be resurfaced again, instead of repairing it on a piecemeal basis. However, the department had to seek additional funding from the supply chain management department and put out a tender for the contract.
Ward 18 councillor, Tim Brauteseth, said from his observation, he thinks the authorities didn’t do their homework properly.
“What sort of management is this? Surely they had a plan of action after they emptied the pool. What happened since?” he questioned.
“It’s a crying shame, with summer just around the corner, the Parks Department will be denying Pinetown residents the opportunity to enjoy the use of the hometown swimming pool of some of South Africa’s greatest swimming stars such as Chad le Clos and swim coach Graham Hill,” he said.
Graham Hill said he is aware of the repairs on the go but authorities assured him that the pool will be ready for use at the end of October.
“I believe there was a problem with the contractor,” said Hill.
