In line with the City of Johannesburg’s commitment to invest in its infrastructure, the Department of Community Development was allocated an increased budget for the maintenance and repairs of its facilities.
A budget of about R30- million has been set aside for the maintenance of pools this financial year. In driving its Joburg 2040 goal to improve access to all its 58 swimming pools, the City of Johannesburg is currently undertaking major refurbishments in most swimming pools.
The City will be welcoming the Spring Season by officially opening 27 swimming pools this Sunday 01 September 2013, while some of the remaining pools will open later in the month, others in October as well as in December, depending on the scope of work in each pool.
Some of the affected pools which will not open immediately due to refurbishments underway, will include among others; Newville, Ochse Square, Davidsonville, Diepkloof, Dobsonville, Jabavu, Meadowlands, East Bank, Turffontein, Yeoville, Ennerdale , Orange Farm – just to name but a few.
Clr. Chris Vondo, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development, reassured the residents of Johannesburg that all the necessary processes are currently underway to ensure that the remaining pools are open between the month of September and December this year.
Two additional pools, Murray Park and Rhodes Park will delay opening much longer due to the amount of repair work to be undertaken. At Murray, attention would be given to major structural damage while Rhodes receives a major upgrade which will be completed by June next year.
Clr. Vondo invites residents to make maximum use of the public swimming pools, as they reopen on Sunday 1 September 2013, to mark the start of the swimming season. The City’s outdoor aquatic facilities will be open throughout the summer season from Monday until Sunday – 10:00 – 17h30 and heated pools 07h00 – 19h00 (Mondays – Fridays) and 10h00 – 17h00 (Saturdays, Sundays and Pub Holidays).