Shivaji Park pool leaking again, it has been just 4 years since 42cr revamp

MUMBAI: The BMC's Olympic-size swimming pool at Shivaji Park has sprung leaks again. It has been not even four years since the pool's Rs 42-crore revamp, which took over two years to complete. Experts say repairs will take three to four months, during which the pool needs to remain closed.
"Pool staff noticed leakage in a duct, which was later inspected by the contractor's people.The contractor has written to pool authorities asking the pool to be closed at least for a month for repairs," said a source. But experts say proper repairs and subsequent inspections would require the pool to remain closed for much longer.
The Mahatma Gandhi Swimming Pool, located near the mayor's bungalow, is the biggest in the city and one of its oldest. It has over 14,000 members at present. After renovation, it was opened in October 2011. "The BMC needs to permit repairs to avoid untoward incidents. Once the pool shuts completely, it needs to be inspected thoroughly so that all problems can be plugged. This would take three to four months," said an expert.
Joint municipal commissioner SS Shinde said the pool must still be under the period of guarantee and so the contractor needs to conduct the repairs at his own cost.
Members do not want the pool to be closed again. "We do not get facilities compared to the fee charged. Most of the showers are not in working condition, the toilets are always unclean, the taps are damaged. Trainers neglect us," said Ajit Padwal, a member. "Last year, the pool was closed for about two months, but we were not compensated. The BMC should provide concessions if the pool is shut for a month or more."
The new complex has four pools: racing, diving, warm-up and a pool for children. There is also a viewers' gallery. Despite assurances from the BMC that the fee structure would remain unchanged, membership fee increased from Rs 2,800 per year before the revamp to Rs 4,000 immediately after the work was completed. At present, it is Rs 5,300 per annum.