Despite the facilities currently being closed due to water quality, dozens of residents pelted staff with stones at a local swimming pool in Manenberg in an effort to beat the heat by taking a dip in the crystal clear water.
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However, while the City of Cape Town condemned the behaviour, community policing forum (CPF) spokesperson, Vernon Visagie, told News24 that he understood the frustrations after residents noticed how inviting the pool appeared amid very hot weather conditions.
“The days are getting hotter, and the children just want to swim before school starts,” he told News24. “They were not able to make use of the pools for a very long time.”
“Had the City been more transparent with us and the residents I don’t think this would have happened.”
Visagie was critical of the City for not allowing public participation in the pool’s closure, saying that he understood their frustration.
“The City has not been in contact with the CPF or residents on the update on how far the pool’s maintenance repair work is.”
“It’s as if they are singling out Manenberg because of the status of the area.”
“Why must our people pay money to travel to Sea Point pool or other public pools when we have our own pools in the area?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Mayco member for Community Services and Health, Patricial van der Ross, said the City had no choice but to close the pool facility for health and safety reasons, following concerns over the water filtration system.
“Water quality was compromised [and] a decision was made to close the swimming pool for assessments, so as not to expose the community to unsafe pool conditions and health risks,” she said.
“This year the outcome of the preparation phase was that rust was observed when the filtration plant was put into circulation. The extent of the problem meant that the pool needed repair work, which could not be completed in time for the pool to be open this season.”
Van der Ross explained that rust pushing through the pipes deteriorated the water quality, making it milky and difficult to see the pool basin, “which severely hampers the task of lifesavers on duty”.
“The department needs to conduct a detailed assessment of the underground infrastructure and pipework to determine the extent of repairs required.”
“Our main concern is the safety and wellbeing of the community. We appeal to the public to refrain from trying to enter the facility illegally for their own safety, and we condemn the violent acts of throwing stones at and physically attempting to harm facility staff,” she added.
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