Zoo Lake Swimming Pool’s green crisis a recurring problem
PARKVIEW – Management of the Zoo Lake Swimming Pool faces public anger after water turns dark green during heatwave.
The Zoo Lake Swimming Pool is once again in the spotlight over poor maintenance which has, in turn, led to the pool water turning dark green.
Concerned resident, Tom Ralph, was very upset about the closed swimming pool, especially with to the scorching temperatures experienced over the last few weeks. “Every year between November and January, Zoo Lake Swimming Pool runs into trouble with dirty water,” Ralph said.
“Most days, the water is very dirty, which poses a serious health hazard,” said Ralph. He asked Rosebank Killarney Gazette to investigate the problem.
Staff and management at the pool refused to comment on the matter.
Ward 117 councillor, Tim Truluck, told the Gazette that the supply chain management of the City of Joburg (CoJ), which is responsible for ensuring the delivery of essential goods and services to its various entities, appeared to be slacking.
“There are several issues at play for Zoo Lake itself,” said Truluck. “Among them is that CoJ’s supply chain management is centralised, making it difficult for its various entities to access [resources] since they have to put in an order first, and that takes time.
“A case in point is that in November last year, it was said that there would be enough chlorine for the year, however, that has not been the case. Every year it’s the same problem … and nobody [seems to] think ahead.”
Ayanda Radebe, communications specialist at CoJ said the City had recently experienced a chemicals supply shortage, leading to the closure of 20 of the City’s 55 swimming pools.
“The chemicals were purchased on 15 January and the swimming pool was treated with the chemicals. But because Zoo Lake Swimming Pool is an Olympic-size pool, it takes about three days to turn blue,” said Radebe.
“However, the pool should be fully functional and operational in a couple of days. The City is fully aware of the problem and would like to apologise to residents. We do understand that it’s been some of the hottest times right now, but this has been a challenge for us. It has, however, been fully resolved now.”
Share your experience of the Zoo Lake Swimming Pool by sending an email to rkg@caxton.co.za
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