Residents of Hillcrest in Pretoria East are once again voicing their frustration over the prolonged closure and deteriorating condition of their cherished community swimming pool.
Despite recent efforts by Tshwane to refill the pool, the facility remains closed, raising serious concerns among locals about the municipality’s commitment to public amenities.
The Hillcrest Swimming Pool, a 50-metre Olympic-sized facility, has long been a cornerstone for local swimmers, athletes, and families seeking recreational activities.
However, the pool has faced ongoing issues, including heating system failures, water leaks, and a lack of proper maintenance.
In May 2023, the pool was temporarily closed for refurbishments, such as fixing heating faults and water leaks.
Yet, many residents contend that no substantial work has been done since, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Resident Herman van der Westhuizen, who has been using the pool for over 50 years, expressed his concerns.
“It’s a stupid way to just close the pool. They must show us how much water they’re losing.
“You can’t say the pool is closing because it’s wasting water without knowing how much,” he said.
He criticised the city’s failure to address the pool issues during its extended closure.
“Why didn’t they look for the faults while the pool was closed for all 6 to 7 months?”
Van der Westhuizen highlighted the pool’s current state, noting that the water had turned green due to the absence of chlorine treatment.
“The water in the pool is green because they did not add chlorine,” he said.
He suggested that the facility should be handed over to private investors who are willing to maintain and invest in its upkeep.
He said private investors would ensure better management and increased accessibility for the community.
Another resident, Dr Genevieve Symonds, said as a ratepayer, she is frustrated over the prolonged closure of the pool.
“I’m sick and tired of it. Children who belong to swimming clubs couldn’t swim this season because they had nowhere to swim.”
She also criticised Tshwane’s mismanagement of public resources.
“We have no street guards, potholes everywhere, and water running down the streets.”
Symonds also pointed out that while the metro claims pools are closed due to water restrictions, they are not addressing the underlying issues, such as unaddressed water leaks.
Residents have initiated a petition urging the metro to prioritise the reopening of Hillcrest Swimming Pool.
The petition calls for the facility to be refilled, properly maintained, and reopened for public use.
Residents are advocating for the pool to be managed by private entities capable of ensuring its long-term viability.
Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo defended the metro’s actions, saying that the pool was closed due to water restrictions imposed in October 2024.
He acknowledged its long-standing leak and claimed that maintenance was ongoing, considering budget constraints.
Mashigo explained that the pool was refilled to prevent further damage to its structure and that the water had been treated and was ready to open.
“The green colour of the water is due to a delay in the delivery of chlorine gas,” he said.
The metro has declined residents’ requests to transfer Hillcrest Swimming Pool to private management, citing concerns that commercial tariffs would restrict broader community access.
However, many residents argue that such a partnership could revitalise the facility, ensuring its upkeep and accessibility for all.
“If the facility is privately managed and maintained, commercial tariffs will be implemented, which would deprive the broader community of access to the facility.”
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