The City of Cape Town, says it will decide soon whether public swimming pools will be open this summer season.
The City also say seawater will be used to fill Sea Point swimming pool complex, which is currently closed for repairs.
JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services, said the Sea Point pool complex was one of the City’s flagship facilities and was still closed for repairs after having sustained storm damage in June. “We strive to use only sea water in our operations but we are unfortunately limited in when we can pump this water,” Mr Smith said.
“A decision on whether to open pools, given the current drought crisis, will be made by the City as soon as possible. We will take the current situation and the needs of our communities into consideration to find the best solution for all our residents.”
Ward 54 Councillor, Shayne Ramsay, said they hoped to have the Sea Point pools reopened to the public in October. “In keeping with the City’s Level 5 water restrictions, the Sea Point pools will be filled with salt water as opposed to drinking water.
“The City is currently in the process of procuring new salt water pumps, plumbing and electronics as advised by consulting engineers. The procurement process requires approval before any work can take place and once this process has been completed and the pools filled, they will be reopened to the public.”
She added that over the peak summer season the Sea Point pools was one of the most visited in the city. “Water restrictions apply to both public and private pools. The top-up, filling or refilling with drinking water is prohibited. A decision on whether to open pools, given the drought, will be made by the City as soon as possible. We will take the current situation and the needs of our communities into consideration to find the best solution for all.”
The City recently announced Level 5 water restrictions. In a statement last week, the City said: “Tourists, locals, the hospitality industry, and all stakeholders in the tourism industry must adhere to the Level 5 water restrictions currently in place.
“Metro-wide, the City’s area-based mayoral committee members, as well as City staff, water inspectors and law enforcement officers, will continue to spread the message of saving water throughout the summer period ahead.”
The City’s mayoral committee member for informal settlements, water and waste services; and energy, Xanthea Limberg.added: “Our recently implemented Level 5 restrictions also look at ways to force usage down among water users who are not changing their behaviour. This is especially important as we head towards what we are all expecting to be an incredibly difficult summer season for 2017/18.”
As of Monday September 18, dam storage levels stood at 27.5 percent of remaining usable water.