Alra Park Swimming Pool remains closed under uncaring EFF-led Government
Statement by Cllr. Wollaston Labuschagne — DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni
Date: 25 October 2023
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Statement
The Democratic Alliance stands with the community of Nigel who grow increasingly frustrated as the Alra Park swimming pool remains unopened to the public for the second summer season because the responsible department has not done critical maintenance and repairs to the filtration system including pool pumps.
The Alra Park community may once again be disadvantaged thanks to an uncaring EFF-led Coalition in Ekurhuleni which has squandered municipal funds at an alarming rate to the point that the City of Ekurhuleni is on the brink of financial bankruptcy — meaning that the chances that a contractor will be appointed before December is unlikely.
The Alra Park swimming pool has been out of commission since 2021 and still, the SRAC and Real Estate departments have not fulfilled its obligation. The responsible departments have known about the work required, however, have only announced recently that a contractor has been requested to quote on necessary repair work.
Community members have also suggested that they would be willing to “pitch in” and assist with some of the work and costs however the responsible departments ignore the community’s willingness.
As the ward councillor, I will continue to place the necessary pressure on the responsible departments and EFF-appointed MMCs Cllr Kgopelo Hollo and Cllr Bridget Thusi. As I receive updates and more information, I will share it with our ward committee and residents.
The Democratic Alliance SRAC Spokesperson, Ald Dean Stone and the DA SRAC Oversight members are doing everything in their capacity to assist me with the Alra Park swimming pool situation.
By all accounts, we are trying our utmost best to have the pools ready for the peak season.
It has been revealed to the DA that there are ten pools across the City in need of maintenance, however, only R1 million has been allocated to equipment maintenance and not to the required building and infrastructure maintenance.
As the DA, we have launched a petition compelling the city to open the pools speedily. We urge all residents to sign this urgent petition and rescue our community swimming pools. Sign our petition here:
Cllr. Wollaston Labuschagne –
DA Ward Councillor in Ekurhuleni
082 413 4318
