Joburg delays opening public pools amid claims city has run out of funds

The City of Johannesburg has postponed the opening of public swimming pools and other projects, citing a lack of funds, as per experts. This decision follows the city's announcement of a one-month delay in reopening municipal pools on 1 October, which was initially scheduled for Spring Day. Out of the 57 public pools set to reopen, only 36 are expected to be brought back, and only in a staggered manner.

The city aims to compensate citizens for the lack of access to water by extending the normal season closing date from March 31 to April the following year.

Community Development MMC Thapelo Amad apologized for the delay, stating that the pools still need to meet health, safety, and operational standards required for public amenities. However, community members are unhappy with the situation. DA councillor Bea Campbell-Cloete points out that the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre pool, which the community had funded and renovated with R1 million, was not opened.

Campbell-Cloete is in talks with the director of sport and recreation and the Municipal Manager's Committee (MMC), demanding the pool be opened as the community has already invested in its restoration.

DA Joburg shadow MMC for community development, Lyrics Mazibuko, criticized the delay, emphasizing that residents should not have to accept that 21 public pools will close at the start of the swimming season. He argues that public pools are essential community infrastructure, especially for children, young people, and communities that rely on such facilities.

Mazibuko also pointed out that the city advertised seasonal positions for lifeguards, cashiers, and cloakroom attendants, indicating that staffing issues were known in advance.