Kempton’s swimming pool yet to get an upgrade
Kempton Park swimming pool is due for upgrades in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 budgets.
As other residents in Ekurhuleni gear up to go swimming in public pools this spring, Kempton Park swimmers have to go yet another year without a public pool.
On June 15, The Kempton Express published a story on the Kempton Park swimming pool.
The Olympic-sized pool was left in a poor state following years of neglect.
The entire facility is in shambles and has now become a target for criminals and a haven for vagrants.
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Behind the facility, there is illegally dumped waste and the fencing is in poor condition.
Some sections of the wall have collapsed and have been replaced with barbed wire.
In addition, during the Kempton Express’ visit to the facility, it was found that inadequate security had made staff vulnerable to criminal attacks.
Vagrants have made their home behind the municipal facility and have been blamed for numerous break-ins on the property.
When a large swimming pool pump was stolen, staff at the swimming pool risked their lives to recover the stolen property.
According to Kempton Park ward councillor and DA spokesperson for community safety, Jaco Terblanche, the City of Ekurhuleni is planning to budget for the upgrade of the Kempton Park swimming pool in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.
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This was revealed following questions posed to council.
“An inspection of the pool was undertaken in 2019 and a report highlighted an estimated cost of over R13m for the upgrades,” said Terblanche.
It was estimated that the upgrade of the swimming pool would be a 16-month project.
“The department plans to spend R6m in the 2024/25 financial year and a further R6.5m in the 2025/26 financial year on upgrades.”
The planned upgrade would consist of the main pool as well as the children’s pool.
“There are structural cracks in both the main pool and children’s pool that require major remedial work since both pools are losing water,” said Terblanche.
He added that the upgrades would include removal of pool tiles, inspection for leaks and retiling as well as an upgrade of the pump room and filtration system.
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“The chlorine room will also be upgraded and a roof above bathrooms and change rooms will be constructed.”
In addition, the refurbishment of the clubhouse and the upgrade of the DB Board, ceiling partitions and flooring will take place.
“New storage structures, lifeguard booth and upgrade of the new lounge will also be constructed.”
