The Municipality of Nicosia has decided to close the Aglantzia Swimming Pool following the identification of serious safety and health concerns. This decision means that athletes from the Aglantzia Nautical Club now need to find alternative facilities for their training. The municipality has also sent a relevant letter to the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) and is awaiting a response.
Options for swimming pools in the capital that can accommodate athletes are limited. The largest pool in Nicosia, located in the Ayios Andreas area, currently has only a 25-metre pool available, as the 50-metre pool has yet to be completed, having been closed nearly four years ago for upgrades that are still unfinished.
With the city’s only available 25-metre pool already hosting a large number of swimmers and athletes, the Municipality of Nicosia has appealed to KOA to help find a solution following the closure of the Aglantzia pool.
Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, in response to questions from the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) about the closure of the Aglantzia pool, explained that the Health and Safety Department had visited the pool and identified serious safety and health issues.
The mayor noted that these problems had been observed for several months, and efforts were made to keep the Aglantzia pool operational, especially considering that work was ongoing at the Nicosia pool. He added that the intention was to avoid creating a serious inconvenience not only for the athletes but also for recreational users of the pool.
Mr Prountzos stated that they managed to extend the operation of the pool for some time; however, in recent weeks, the Municipality decided to proceed with an upgrade, as funding had been approved for energy improvements.
However, due to severe ongoing issues with the electrical and mechanical systems, as well as water leaks in the engine room from faulty pumps, it became clear that these energy upgrades could not commence without addressing these fundamental repairs.
A cost assessment was carried out to include both the necessary repairs and energy upgrades, intending to resolve the health and safety issues. Part of the planned improvements included the installation of a shelter over the pool. During this phase, a gas leak—used to heat the pool—was detected, prompting an immediate closure until the issue could be rectified.
“We have requested that ETEK appoint experts, sent an urgent letter to KOA explaining the problem, and asked for funding for the essential construction work to enable renovations. Additionally, we have asked KOA to help provide an alternative solution for the athletes and members of the Aglantzia Nautical Club, and we are awaiting their response,” Prountzos stated.
Source: CNA
