Facelift for pool to make a splash

The Seberang Jaya Public Swimming Pool Complex in Butterworth in poor condition and requires a makeover. – ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

THE upgrading of Seberang Jaya Public Swimming Pool Complex in Butterworth, Penang, is expected to be completed by middle of next year.

The upgrading work, which began on Aug 1, is estimated to cost between RM3mil and RM5mil.

Penang youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the project was expected to take up to eight months.

“We hope that the project can be completed ahead of time so that the public can enjoy the upgraded facilities.

“There are some patients who need to use the swimming pool to complement their physiotherapy sessions.

“With the well-equipped new pool, we hope to train more swimmers to represent the state in tournaments,” he said during a site visit to the pool complex.

Soon added that the Penang Stadium and Open Area Corporation (PSDKLPP) took over the management and maintenance of the pool complex from the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) on July 1, 2020.

“Since there was a lot of damage to the swimming pool facilities and it is extremely dangerous for users, PSDKLPP decided to call for a request for proposal (RFP) to upgrade, manage and maintain the pool complex on Aug 27, 2020.

“The site briefing was held on Sept 2, 2020 and the closing date for the tender was on Sept 28, 2020.

“Based on the experience of swimming pool management and maintenance, the Penang State Procurement Board agreed to appoint D Swim Academy Sdn Bhd to upgrade, manage and maintain the pool complex on March 24, 2021,” he said.

After resolving the issue of ownership and management of the pool complex, Soon said PSDKLPP signed a 18-year sub-lease agreement with D Swim Academy on March 22 this year for the upgrading, management and maintenance work.

PSDKLPP officially handed over the pool complex to D Swim Academy on April 1 this year.

Soon said the works would include the upgrading of the sewage system and rainwater flow system, installation of a new water drainage system in the toilet, pump room, the surrounding area and cafeteria.

The upgrading of the electrical system include the installation of lights and sockets, closed circuit cameras in pool areas, public areas, payment counters and surrounding area, installation of a new network system, signboards and roofs including “high-tensile fabric” roofs.

“The appointed company will also upgrade and repair toilets, the cafeteria, upgrade some parts of the new pump system, upgrade some parts of the new filter system as well as instal an automatic chemical measurement system for the maintenance of pool water.

“With the auto-dosing system, we can ensure that the pH and chlorine level of the pool water is healthy for the public’s usage,” he said.

Soon said the entrance fee of RM3 for adults and RM1.50 for children under the age of 12 would be retained.

As for foreigners, it will cost RM10 (adults) and RM5 (children).

“It will be free for people with disabilities, senior citizens aged 60 and above, MBSP staff, Toray staff and PSDKLPP staff,” he said.

Also present during the visit were PSDKLPP chief executive officer Zul Kahar Khamis and D Swim Academy general manager Cyrena Yong.