Broken pump leaves pleasure-seekers hot and angry
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) recently announced that it was ready to help to beat the heat with the opening of all new and revamped community pools for the swimming season.
In preparation for the splish-splash season, the EMM conducted extensive maintenance and repair works in all its pools during the winter season, while constructing new pools in other areas of the Metro.
However many pleasure seekers, hoping to cool off at the Brakpan Municipal Pool on Sunday, had to turn around and go home.
The swimming pool was closed to the public and as far as the Herald could establish this was due to a broken pool pump.
According to a person who spoke to the Herald but did not identify herself, the pump was repaired, but apparently the water level was too low to allow the public to make use of the facility.
The situation angered many residents, especially young children who turned up to beat the heat and have some fun.
“We have walked all the way from Dalview and we are hot and tired. Now we have to walk home again,” said a very disappointed Thabelo Mokoena (13).
“This is not a good start to the season. It is very, very hot today and my children were very excited about our Sunday afternoon outing to the swimming pool,” said Mary Anderson, from Brakpan Central.
“I understand that pumps and things can break, but they had all the winter months to do maintenance.
“I must add that we are very grateful for this facility, because we do not have a pool at home.”
The EMM’s community swimming pool operating hours are:
Mondays (closed), Tuesdays to Saturdays (10am to 6pm), Sundays and public holidays (2pm to 6pm).
Pools in the Brakpan area are: Brakpan Swimming Pool (Elliot Road), Faranani Swimming Pool (Tsakane) and Geluksdal Swimming Pool (Geluksdal).
The entrance fee to all community pools with a turn-style gate is R5 per person.
School children will not be allowed entry to public swimming pools during school hours, unless prior arrangements have been made by their school.
This is, however, subject to approval by the Metro’s Sports and Recreation Department.
The Herald has requested comment from the Metro.
Also read:
Municipal pools ready for the swimming season
