Date set for reopening of Empangeni town pool
WORKERS have returned to the Empangeni municipal swimming pool to complete repairs that are already well past deadline.
The pool, which has been closed since March 2020, is undergoing vital repairs and upgrades to the tune of R2.1-million.
While residents were hopeful the 15 December 2023 deadline would be met, project funding challenges meant the timeline had to be extended.
On Wednesday, workers were on site, with one contractor telling the ZO they have all the materials they need, and are busy with repairs of the walls and tiling the pool so it can be filled with water.
"We also started replacing the outline of the pool with better tiles, and removed all weeds."
Fish Eagles and Thuthukani Special School coach Gail Bohler, who uses the pool for swimming practice, said, "When it closed, we were devastated because athletes used it to train. The size of the pool plays a huge role in training, which is why swimmers need this bigger pool."
City of uMhlathuze communications manager
Bongani Gina said it is a work in progress, but the overhaul is coming along well.
"The public will be happy with the results. Overall, progress is about 80%, with pool tiling at 85%, fencing at 85%, and manufacturing of the pump room fittings off-site.
"Jetting of drainage systems is ongoing. Other work like burglar guards and the replacement of paving blocks is also ongoing."
Gina said the anticipated project completion date is set for the second week of February, with the handover expected in the first week of March.