The City of Cape Town has decided to re-open 37 community pools for summer. The Recreation and Parks Department of the town is opening the pools in a phased approach for this summer season.
There are total 38 community pools out of which 37 will be set open now. This is a significant milestone that ensures residents and have access to safe and well-maintained facilities to cool off.
The re-opening of swimming pools will be rolled out in phases over the summer season, that extends into the new year. Their approach balances the need for public access with the ongoing maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that this is a great achievement for the communities of Cape Town.
She mentioned that despite of many challenges they faced and which were posed by ageing infrastructure will see re-opening of 37 pools in different phases, providing safe, quality recreational spaces for residents in summer 2024.
At present 10 swimming pools are in operation such as Long Street, Atlantis, Blue Downs, Kuils River Resort, Elsies River, Parow North, Muizenberg, Retreat, Newlands and Zandvlei Caravan Park.
The City of Cape Town has selected particular dates for the opening of other swimming pools. From Dec 06, 2024 to Dec 15, 2024 Athlone, Hanover Park, Parow Valley, Bellville Central, Emthonjeni, Delft, Mnandi, Eastridge, Lentegeur, Langa, Kensington, Observatory, Sea Point, Monwabisi Resort, Morningstar, Bonteheuwel and Trafalgar, will remain open.
From Dec 16, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024 Manenberg, Goodwood, Bellville South, Strand, Khayelitsha, Westridge, Browns Farm, Ravensead, Ruyterwatch and Wynberg, will remain open.
Moreover, the reopening schedule allows continued minor and major repairs for the maintenance that will be conducted even as pools become operational. This approach ensures a balance between access and ongoing upgrades.
Reportedly, Manenberg swimming pool is facing delays due to ageing infrastructure, including issues with the mechanical plant and underground pipes. For the same the contractors have been deployed to the site.
Bellville South swimming pool was recently affected by the flooding that was caused by the stormwater returning to the plant room and led to motor failures and filtration issues.
Considering this, the engineers assessed the damage and contractors were engaged to replace the motors and repairs are underway.
The Goodwood swimming pool is undergoing major electrical repairs and upgrades, apart from minor mechanical repairs and maintenance.
Notably, the Vulindlela Swimming Pool will remain closed for the 2024-25 season due to planned redevelopment.
As per the selected operating times, the daily operations will be conducted from Dec 06, 2024 to Jan 31, 2025. Some of them will be operated during weekends from Feb 01, 2025 to Mar 30, 2025. Then from Mar 31, 2025 to Apr 21, 2025 another session for the daily operations will be conducted.