Cape Town: The Retreat Swimming Pool has re-opened after repairs when a break-in at the facility last month resulted in significant damage to the plant room. There is an issue going on at present with the heating units, but it is being attended to.
Despite this, the water is at a warm temperature. The staff arrived last month to find that it had been burgled and pipes were stolen in just six months after the swimming pool had re-opened to the public, following a period of critical repairs and maintenance.
The heating units were also impacted, although this was only discovered once all the stolen pipes were replaced and the system were switched on again. Although the heating units have not yet reached the temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, as they are currently at 23.5 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Repair cost in excess of R50,000 included the replacement of pipes and two gauges (as one was damaged and one was stolen), the replacement of a tap inside the plant room and repairs to mixing drums. The pool accommodates a number of aquatics clubs and other organisations such as Eco Active, the NSRI and Learn to Swim, catering to early childhood development centres, primary and high schools, and seniors from various communities.
However, the untimely closure of the pool affected nearly two thousand users over the period.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that he is really happy that the Retreat Swimming Pool is open for business again.
While the water is slightly cooler than normal. They are working hard to get it back to optimal levels and they are eager to welcome back all of the regular users. The pool is a well-used facility and offers a space for exercise, recreation, socialising, fun, health and fitness.
The closure, even though temporary, once again highlighted the impact that vandalism and theft of the infrastructure has on communities. I want to encourage the residents to take ownership of the facilities and say something when they see something.
Councillor Higham urged the residents to help them in bringing the perpetrators to book as these facilities belong to all of them.