No opening for Ochse Square Municipal Swimming Pool in Albertskroon on 1 September

ALBERTSKROON – The municipal pool has been locked since late December due to mechanical faults.

August 1, 2017

Chantelle Fourie 1 minute read

Nonhlanhla Sifumba, the City's Community Development MMC, inspects the filter system of Albertskroon's Ochse Square Municipal Swimming Pool.

Ochse Square Municipal Swimming Pool in Albertskroon will likely not open when the swimming season begins on 1 September.

This was revealed after the MMC for Community Development, Nonhlanhla Sifumba inspected the pool on 21 July along with Ward 86 councillor, Philip Kruger and other department officials.

Sifumba is gearing towards opening at least 90 per cent of the City of Johannesburg’s pools on 1 September and keeping them open for the entire season.

Ward 86 councillor, Philip Kruger explains to Nonhlanhla Sifumba, the City’s Community Development MMC, and her team that the problems with the Ochse Square pool have been ongoing.

Ochse Square pool has been locked since late December due to mechanical faults. Maintenance of the pool has been a concern for a number of years.

Kruger previously said he believes the pool closed last year because of weak budget planning for municipal pools. Poor workmanship added to the already existing problem.

The City’s new financial year – and budget – began on 1 July. Plans to repair the faulty filtration system, which could cost about R500 000, have been prioritised within the department’s R5 million budget for the filtration systems of pools across the city.

Dougie Middleton, project leader of repairs and maintenance of swimming pools, said he hopes the almost 60-year-old filter can be replaced soon so the pool can be opened to the public.

Agreeing with Middleton, the MMC hopes that at least 90 per cent of the City’s 58 pools will open on 1 September.

“It is quite important that residents are able to access all our facilities, including swimming pools,” Sifumba said.