The City of Cape Town’s councillor for Ward 54, Nicola Jowell, has raised concerns over the safety of swimmers at Graaff’s Pool in Sea Point in response to appeals for the pool’s restoration.
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‘The Graaff’s pool which was not a formal tidal pool as the others are, has always had more significant concerns around users safety as it is not as protected from the ocean as the other pools are,’ Jowell told IOL.
‘The swimming potential here is far more limited and considered risky for a potential user and has not been prioritised by the department.’
She adds that the wall on the side of Graaff’s Pool was partly demolished in 2005 due to complaints and concerns about criminal and anti-social behaviour occurring on the other side of the wall.
‘The city did not demolish any part of the pool or the walkway but the work was limited to the wall. Over the last few years, the City’s Coastal Management Branch has invested significantly in the upkeep and maintenance of tidal pools across the ward such as Saunders, Maidens Cove, Sea Point and Camps Bay Tidal Pools.’
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Jowell says that although she attended site meetings with officials, the work required would be extensive and the safety of swimmers is of primary concern.
The City of Cape Town’s spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, says the City is aware of the structural state of the pool but no development plans have been made as of yet.
‘Rebuilding the tidal pool is not on the City’s capital programme due to competing priorities. The City’s Recreation and Parks and Coastal Management Departments will engage on a way forward regarding the removal of the remains on the wall and possible ways to make it more attractive.’
Pieter Marais, a local businessman in the wine industry, constructed Graaff’s Pool in 1910 for his wife, who reportedly took daily swims in the ocean. According to IOL, a tunnel leading to the couple’s home was added under the public road so that his wife could be taken to the pool discreetly.
The pool’s name is derived from businessman and politician Jacobus Arnoldus Graaf, who bequeathed the pool to the City of Cape Town.
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Picture: StormSBS / Wikipedia
