Lack of Brixton pool maintenance to be corrected
BRIXTON – An influx of residents to the Brixton pool raises questions about the facility's lack of maintenance.
In light of rising summer temperatures, the maintenance of the Brixton Public Pool has been questioned.
The pool saw an increase in visitors after temperatures soared recently, however, the facilities as they stand cannot service the number of people visiting the pool.
Brixton resident René van Niekerk said the men’s and women’s bathrooms only have one operational shower on each side and only two toilets between the two of them.
She added, “[There are] broken tiles and windows everywhere.
“What was also very disturbing is the hand shower squirting out water… Apparently [it’s] been like that for many months”
In response to the complaint, the executive director of Community Development Kepi Madumo, said the City of Johannesburg has different service providers to carry out maintenance.
He assured that the concerns raised by Van Niekerk will be investigated and will be attended to as a matter of priority.
“This will include inter alia fixing the leakages and other hazardous situations mentioned.”
Van Niekerk is not only frustrated by the lack of maintenance done at the pool but also at the alleged false promise of the facility being upgraded under the Corridors of Freedom plan.
She explained that Brixton residents were promised upgrades to the area under the Corridors of Freedom yet none of what they had been promised has been seen.
“One of these promises was the immediate renovation and upgrade of the Brixton pool – needless to say, [there is] no sign of this upgrade,” said Van Niekerk in exasperation.
To this Madumo said the upgrading of the Brixton pool is part of a bigger, multi-purpose and multi-year project that will be done by a separate entity than the one responsible for regular operations and maintenance.
When he was asked about the upgrade’s estimated time of commencement Madumo responded, “A service provider has been appointed for the bigger multi-purpose project and it is expected that the service provider will commence soon.”
In addition, Madumo gave his assurance that no funding was diverted from the maintenance of the Brixton pool to the Corridors of Freedom.
Despite the lack of maintenance, many residents who visit the pool, say the staff remain friendly and the pool is spotless.
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