Vandalism and theft plague Karen Muir Swimming Pool

VANDALISM and theft continue to plague municipal-owned properties in the city.

This is according to the Sol Plaatje Municipality, which stated yesterday that some facilities at Karen Muir Swimming Pool had to be replaced due to vandalism.

Residents in the city complained recently about the state of the facilities at the swimming pool, pointing out that they were in a “disgusting” condition.

A message posted on social media by a resident stated that the wash basins were blocked and that there was no running water in the kiosk which sold food and refreshments to those who visited the swimming pool.

Municipal spokesperson, Thoko Riet, said the kiosk had been availed to community members after the lease contract between the previous kiosk occupants and the municipality lapsed.

She added, however, that some community members had vandalised and stolen some of the property at the facility.

“The Karen Muir kiosk/cafeteria has been vacant for a while following the expiry of the lease contract of the then cafeteria occupants. The facility has, however, been availed to swimming pool users who have booked the facility for gala events to sell food and other refreshments for swimming gala attendees, for their particular bookings. As a result of the constant theft and vandalism experienced at facilities, a water supply tap was stolen, thereby denying the flow of water into the cafeteria’s water supply system. The problem was investigated and addressed by replacing the stolen tap and water was immediately restored,” said Riet.

“A complaint was received from one of the swimming pool users about a leaking water pipe at the female ablution blocks. The complaint was investigated and it was established that it was stagnant water that had dammed around the toilet pot after the ablution blocks were cleaned. The floor in that particular toilet was sufficiently dried to determine where the water came from. No leakage was observed. Inspections of the facility and cleaning of the ablution blocks take place every day and no blockage and leakage has been observed.

“The municipal swimming pools opened when this year’s season started on September 17, 2018, except for the Florianville swimming pool that still has to be officially opened after the major revamp of the facility that took place,” Riet added.