No action at Kempton Park swimming pool
Kempton Park Swimming Pool is budgeted R5m in the 2024/2025 Financial Year.
Lovers of the Kempton Park Swimming Pool will have to endure another two to three years before getting their feet wet.
ALSO READ: Locals hit the pools as doors reopen with strict measures to protect bathers
This is due to the repairs of the local swimming pool only being projected for the 2024/25 financial year.
For three years, residents haven’t been able to enjoy and utilise the pools due to significant damages.
Residents have voiced their concerns regarding the state of the pool. Express visited the local swimming pool facilities and upon inspection found that the facilities around the swimming pool are well kept and regularly maintained by the workers.
The only things not being maintained are the actual swimming pool on the premises.
Express inquired with the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) to get more clarity regarding the overall maintenance of the pool.
ALSO READ: Resident goes eight days without power
“The pool has been closed for three years due to water leakage. It was measured to lose approximately 33 000 litres of water per day. The level of the water decreased by 2cm in a 24-hour period,” said Zweli Dlamini, metro spokesperson.
Q: The pools have significant damage with a few leaks, cracked tiles and water seemingly leaking into the pool from underground through the surface cracks in its structure. What is the cause of such damage and is it the reason the pool has been non-operational?
A: “The swimming pool is more than 50 years old and reached the end of its lifespan. With underground fountains in the area, earth shifts over the years, and with normal wear and tear the pool needs a total refurbishment.”
Q: What is the maintenance plan for the swimming pool?
A: “The only maintenance that can be done is to keep the terrain and buildings neat.”
Q: Does the CoE not view winter as the opportune time to fix the pool to get it ready for spring and summer?
A: “The city has been doing winter maintenance at its swimming pools during winter for more than 50 years. The pool is on the capital budget for a total refurbishment.”
Q: When will the pool get fixed and how long will the repairs take?
A: “Repairs are budgeted R5-million in the 2024/25 financial year unless the city allocates more funds in the coming financial years and should be completed in the same financial year. Our CAPEX budget was reduced drastically and unfortunately, that has affected many projects (Kempton Park pool included).”
Also follow us on:
