City of Cape Town opens some of its pools for festive season

The City of Cape Town says it will open its pools daily for the festive peak from Friday until 15 January 2023. This is to ensure that children enjoy every day of their holidays before schools reopen next year.

The 16 community pools now opening daily from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00 are Bellville, Bellville South, Bonteheuwel, Brown’s Farm, Delft, Goodwood, Hanover Park, Kensington, Khayelitsha, Lentegeur, Muizenberg, Parow North, Ruyterwacht, Trafalgar, Wesfleur (Atlantis) and Wynberg.

The four indoor swimming pools and Sea Point are also operational. Retreat, Blue Downs and Strand open from 10:00 until 17:00, while Sea Point and Long Street are open from 07:00 until 19:00.

While most of the pools across the metro will be open for daily use, Eight swimming pools - Athlone, Langa, Manenberg, Mnandi, Westridge, Parow Valley, Ravensmead and Newlands pools are temporarily closed due to structural, mechanical and electrical faults

Eastridge, Elsies River, Emthonjeni, Morningstar, Observatory and Vulindlela pools will not open for the 2022/ 23 season due to major repairs needed

Mayco member for Community Servies & Health, Patricia van der Ross said at Newlands Swimming Pool, two significant concerns were identified regarding the water circulation and chlorination system. This led to unforeseen delays in opening as scheduled.

Van der Ross says while the City has secured enough chemicals to open the pools daily, it expects loadshedding disruptions.

‘’It has been a very trying time for our Recreation and Parks department as numerous challenges including load-shedding and the supply of chemicals have thrown many plans into disarray. Unforeseen challenges such as the ones experienced at swimming pools that were meant to be open by now have compounded the situation. The City apologises to residents for any inconvenience caused, but we have a duty to ensure that our recreational facilities are safe for public use. While we have a plan to deal with the ongoing challenges, its success rests heavily on the cooperation and understanding of our patrons.’’

‘’I ask that everyone does their bit to ensure that their visits to our swimming pools and all other City recreational areas are an enjoyable and safe experience,’’ added the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

 

Done By: Mitchum George