Westridge swimming pool will remain open for the duration of the summer season, after having been opened to the public during the September school holidays.
It now joins Eastridge swimming pool with the prospect of Lentegeur swimming pool also being opened to the public during the peak summer period.
Eastridge swimming pool was officially reopened to the public in December, being the only pool open to the public in the Mitchell’s Plain area, after the drought and linked water restrictions forced the City of Cape Town to close several municipal pools (“Where to cool off this summer,” People’s Post, 4 December 2018).
Lentegeur swimming pool may also be opened to the public, should the prescribed maintenance project be completed in time.
“I am aware the frustrations Westridge swimming pool users had to endure which was primarily a series of events which impacted on the complete repair of the pool-lining and subsequent filling of the pool with non-potable water. I have been working tirelessly with the department to sustain traction to ensure that the pool reopens in the September school holidays,” says ward 78 councillor Eddie Andrews.
“The recreation and parks department highlighted the fact that they had to comply with drought restrictions which delayed the filling of the pool.
“A borehole has been installed on the precinct which was used to fill the pool and irrigate the rest of the facility.”
Mayco member for community services and health, Zahid Badroodien says: “The seasonal swimming pools opened on 20 September and will be operating until 13 April next year. There were some delays in the opening of some of the pools due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Pools that are currently open to the public are Athlone, Bonteheuwel, Eastridge, Emthonjeni in Nyanga, Goodwood, Hanover Park, Kensington, Langa, Manenberg, Mnandi, Muizenberg, Observatory, Parow North, Wesfleur and Westridge.
“The Blue Downs, Long Street, Retreat and Strand indoor swimming pools including Sea Point Pavilion are currently open throughout the year,” says Badroodien.
Swimming pools that are currently undergoing repairs and maintenance work, which are intended to open for the peak summer period if the scheduled repairs are completed on time, include Bellville South, Khayelitsha., Morningstar, Browns Farm, Delft Lentegeur, Parow Valley, Ruyterwacht, Trafalgar Park, Vulindlela and Wynberg.
