The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) calls on the Hessequa Municipality to clarify the planned construction of a new swimming pool in Albertinia and the actual costs involved.
This project, currently under construction in Albertyn Street behind Oker Primary School, was initially estimated at approximately R15 million, but according to a report in the local newspaper, Suid-Kaap Forum, it has already racked up costs of about R19,94 million.
According to available information, the national government was initially meant to contribute R12 million and the Municipality R3 million, placing the total value at R15 million.
The latest figures, however, show that costs have climbed by nearly R5 million.
This increase raises several important questions:
• Why has the estimated cost risen from R15 million to R19,94 million?
• Who will finance the additional R4,9 million?
• If the Municipality is responsible for a portion of the additional cost, which budget vote will be used to cover it?
• If the Municipality has to make a larger contribution, what impact will it have on the budget – seeing as the 2026/27 budget has a limited surplus?
Another cause for concern, in addition to the financial questions, is Albertinia’s available water resources.
In the Freedom Front Plus’s view, it is only reasonable to expect the Municipality to explain where the water for the new swimming pool will come from, and whether the existing resources are sufficient to operate the facility sustainably.
The party is not opposed to infrastructure that benefits communities. When a project, however, involves millions in public funds and the cost climbs significantly, transparency and accountability are essential.
The Freedom Front Plus put these questions in writing to the Hessequa Municipality and hopes to receive a detailed response, thoroughly explaining to residents the project’s financial implications and feasibility.
