Metro opens public swimming pools in time for spring
Public swimming pools were rolled out after the metro negotiated with Rand Water to adhere to Level 1 water restrictions.
It’s all excitement for residents of Mamelodi, especially children who enjoy swimming, as the metro has reopened two Mamelodi public swimming pools.
MMC for Environment and Agriculture Obakeng Ramabodu announced this last week.
Ramabodu said that the pools in Mamelodi East and Mamelodi West would be open from noon on September 4, just in time to welcome the spring.
However, residents staying near the swimming pools raised their concerns about children who walk long distances to come and swim at these pools without their parents.
Eric Makua from Mamelodi said everyone is excited about the opening of public swimming pools, saying that their children love to swim, and often spend their entire day at the pool.
He said parents need to be responsible and start accompanying their children to these pools, because some of them walk more than 5km to get to a pool.
“The safety of our children comes first. Who is helping these children to cross the busy streets of Mamelodi while going home late in the afternoons?”
Another resident from Mamelodi East Tsakani Chauke said the children are very excited, adding that swimming helps them to cool down in the summer heat.
She also stressed that parents needed to know where their children are at all times.
Ramabodu said that the metro reopened public swimming pools after negotiating with Rand Water to adhere to Level 1 water restrictions.
Other swimming pools that are opening are the Sunnyside swimming pool and swimming pools at Danville, Saulsville and Atteridgeville.
“We are working to ensure that all public swimming pools are reopened with dedicated inspections,” Ramabodu said.
In addition, the metro will carry out minor refurbishments at all regional swimming pools to improve their customer offering to residents.
Ramabodu added that all city facilities are cashless.
Residents are urged to follow all precautionary measures when accessing public swimming pools.
Instructions from lifeguards and municipal officials stationed at these facilities should be complied with to promote the safety of the residents.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said, “With the wonderful climate we have here, swimming pools play an important part in recreation activities”.
Mashigo said the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Management manages over 20 public swimming pools.
He urged residents to adhere to the rules.
The following are not allowed at the swimming pools:
– Alcoholic beverages
– Pets and animals
– Dangerous games
– The throwing of dangerous objects.
In addition to this:
– All refuse must be placed in the refuse bins.
– Misbehaviour will result in offenders being barred from the swimming pool and swimming-pool grounds.
– Any reasonable request by an official on duty must be obeyed.
– Only recognised swimwear is allowed.
– All facilities are used at your own risk.
All complaints and queries regarding the metro’s public swimming pool facilities can be directed to 012 358 9999.
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