THE Swakopmund Municipality and the local swimming fraternity will meet this week to discuss the imminent closure of one of the town's noted and loved landmarks: the 'heated' indoor Olympic-sized municipal pool.

The dispute about the pool's closure has loomed for several years now after local businessman Quinton Liebenberg of the Lighthouse Property Investment Trust proposed the construction of another indoor pool at Swakopmund's primary sports grounds - making it more accessible to all residents, and taking away the responsibility from the taxpayers.

Many residents started complaining about the poor maintenance of the pool, including the frequent failure of the heating system, forcing them to swim in cold water. Unfounded accusations were rife that Liebenberg and the Municipality were deliberately allowing the pool to 'fall apart' in order to speed-up the closure and could continue with the prospective plans. Meanwhile the entrance fee was recently upped from N$7,50 to N$10. In a recent incident, a nine-year old swimmer who was helping in the preparation of a gala-event at the pool had to be taken to hospital after he fell through a broken iron gutter-grid on the side of the pool. His leg was cut and he had to get more than ten stitches. This just added fuel to the fire; with swimmers demanding that the Municipality maintain the pool, or close it down.

During the last Ordinary Council meeting held end February, Swakopmund Mayor finally laid down the gauntlet and announced the closure of the pool - by no later than June when the 2009/2010 financial year comes to a close.

Not making mention of the recent injury, she said in her speech that the heating system of the pool had been problematic since November last year, "due to a faulty circuit", hence the heat pump operating at less than half of its heating capacity, "compelling users to register their complaints due to cold water".

According to her, the heat pump was 27 years old "and unfortunately no longer on the market" and spare parts no longer available. In order to replace the old pump and relevant systems, more than N$1 million would have to be forked out by the tax-payer.

"After detailed and considered deliberations at the Management Committee, the conclusion was reached to rather close the swimming pool based on the fact that it simply makes no sense to spend this vast amount of public funds on the swimming pool where after it will be closed and demolished in any case. I trust the public at large will have understanding for the situation to rather close the swimming pool and save over N$1 million," she told a packed chamber.

The Management Resolution read: "That the swimming pool be closed on 30 days notice to the public due to the high cost of repairs and renovations required to keep it operational at the required health and safety standards considering the imminent demolition of the building to make way for a new development."

The day after the announcement, The Namibian learned that attempts were made by the swimming fraternity to stop the closure, but it was too late.

The signing of the deed of sale between the Council and the Lighthouse Property Investment Trust also took place the following morning. Swakopmund CEO, Eckart Demasius told The Namibian that the developer has committed himself to start building the new pool "as we speak" and that the aim is that it will be completed by early next year.

The new indoor pool will however not be the 50-metre Olympic-sized pool, but a 'smaller' Olympic-size of 25 metres.