Keanan Harmse
The Retreat swimming pool, which is one of the City’s municipal assets, has been closed and is scheduled for repairs after it was vandalised on Friday 25 April.
Pool employees arrived that morning only to discover that a break-in took place at the facility with the plant room sustaining significant damage, the City confirmed. “Staff arrived at the facility to find that the water level in the pool had dropped significantly, and the water to the facility was shut off to prevent any further water loss.
“Initial indications are that the thieves stole all pipes leading to the swimming pool filters and vandalised a number of other components in the plant room,” announced the City on its website.
Six months prior, Retreat’s indoor swimming pool underwent critical repairs and maintenance. The work completed included upgrades to key systems and facilities – some of which were damaged in previous acts of vandalism.
The City began implementing permanent repairs on Tuesday 29 April.
The pool will remain closed until all repairs and tests have been completed, the City confirmed.
“This setback is incredibly disappointing and frustrating. An assessment has to be completed to determine the extent of the damage, and then the process will begin to do repairs.
“This facility is a hub for many local users, including swimming clubs, and the latest closure is a blow.
“I want to appeal to the community to please come forward with any information that could help identify those responsible for this wanton act of destruction,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham.
So far no suspects have been apprehended but the City’s Safety and Security Department is investigating the matter and reported the crimes to the police.
The swimming pool has security guards posted on the site, but the City promises to increase security visibility at the facility.
Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate told People’s Post that it was a major setback to close the swimming pool after numerous attempts to repair previous maintenance issues.
“The recent acts of vandalism experienced at the Retreat swimming pool have been very disappointing, especially given all the effort and financial resources that have recently been invested in the facility to heat the pool and also reinstate the baby pool.
“The vandalism and theft have not only resulted in the pool being closed but also deprived the community and sports clubs of its use. This shameless act has to be condemned in the strongest terms, and the perpetrators should be brought to book,” he said.
The City encourages the public to come forward if they have any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
Incidents of crime can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
