Hillcrest residents sign petition to save public pool
Residents started the petition after the Tshwane metro announced it did not have the funds to maintain the Hillcrest swimming pool.
Hillcrest residents have signed a petition to save their iconic swimming pool and reopen it for use as soon as possible.
This after the municipal pool was temporarily closed on May 1 for refurbishments, such as fixing heating faults and water leaks.
This action has many residents up in arms, especially since they were told that the metro does not have to money to do the repairs.
For years the pool has been used by students and athletes for training.
Many families used the pool for leisure over the weekend, even during winter.
Residents, however, have become frustrated with the process, saying no work has been done on the pool.
Herman van der Westhuizen, who runs an engineering company, offered to fix the pools heating systems free of charge, but his offer was turned down.
“We offered to help but they told us there was too much risk involved,” he said.
“It feels like there’s no moving forward with this.
“They can’t fix the pool and when you offer to help they just turn you down.”
PETITIONERS WANT HILLCREST POOL RESTORED TO FORMER GLORY
The petitioners seek:
– To determine the extent of public interest in keeping Hillcrest swimming pool open and functional.
– To approach the Tshwane metro to ask it to do the necessary maintenance and repairs and keep the pool open and functional.
– Open the door of communication to the private sector and seriously consider entering a long-term agreement with the metro.
“In this way we can grant private investors access to maintain the pool on behalf of the city and manage this space in a professional manner,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Genevieve Symonds, who has been using the pool since 2003, hopes the petition will make a difference.
“We simply want our pool back,” said Symonds.
“It’s very obvious when you go to the pool that no repairs are being done whatsoever and we are desperate for answers.
“All we are asking for is a pool that is warm, safe and clean.”
METRO DOESN’T HAVE FUNDING TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC POOLS
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro did not have the money to repair and maintain its nine pools in Region 3.
He told Rekord that the pool was temporarily closed, but had remained open past the swimming season, which ended at the end of April.
“All other pools closed on April 10 at the end of the 2022/2023 swimming season.”
Mashigo furthermore added that the closure was to allow the appointed service provider to undertake the major repair and maintenance needed.
“The Hillcrest pool will be closed until such time as the water can be heated to the required temperature for safe usage by clients.
“This is done to comply with the standard operating procedures for swimming pools,” he concluded.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
