Unprepared Swimming Pools in Randburg: Three Facilities Delay Opening

Several public pools in Randburg suburbs, including Windsor West, Robin Hills, and Blairgowrie, remain closed, leaving residents seeking alternative ways to beat the heat due to various concerns.

The Windsor West pool has suffered extensive vandalism, including damage to pumps and bathrooms, and has become a gathering spot for homeless individuals and alleged drug users.

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City of Johannesburg Ward 99 councillor Beverley Jacobs expressed disappointment in the city’s readiness for the swimming season, noting that many public pools across the city are deteriorating, with Windsor West’s pool falling victim to administrative dysfunction.

The pool’s issues were first raised with the Community Development Department in 2019, but security services were removed, leading to further deterioration and vandalism. The facility’s guardhouse was renovated, electrical infrastructure restored, and barbed wire fencing installed in 2021. However, security personnel were subsequently removed again, the guardhouse was broken into, and the pool was stripped.

Nthatisi Modingoane, the spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, acknowledged these ageing pools’ challenges, including filtration system failures and damaged underground pipes. Budget constraints and procedural hurdles have made repair and maintenance efforts more difficult.

The Robin Hills pool, for example, is closed due to electrical cable damage between the motor and switch gears, preventing the pool from being filled with water.

Ward 99 councillor Nicole van Dyk described the Blairgowrie pool as in disrepair, with dirty and broken public toilets, failing equipment in the pump room, and an infestation of bugs in the pool.

Modingoane mentioned that the city is actively exploring options and collaborating with communities and partners to address these issues. They encourage residents to use nearby facilities while they work on resolving the problems. Updates on the status of the affected pools will be provided once available.

Source: Three pools in Randburg are not ready for swimmers

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Photo: Supplied by Randburg Sun