Protests over costs on Halswell pool

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32783, 7 December 1971, Page 18

Protests over costs on Halswell pool

Escalating and miscalculated costs for the new Halswell swimming pool- drew sharp criticism at a meeting of the Paparua County Council last evening.

“This is a disastrous situation,” said Cr A. Y. Shuker. “We were told by one of our staff who is no longer with us that this pool would cost $63,000. It could cost us $115,000. I do not blame the engineer, who put his trust in someone else. Where is the $20,000 coming from and add to that the operating loss. The reserves committee reported that it had deleted items estimated to cost $lOB,OOO from a list totalling $184300 for the completion of the pool complex. The deletions included a diving pool and tower at $32,000, a learners’ pool at $12,000, extensions to the main pool at $12,000, a second block of dressing sheds with an upper floor at $25,000 and sealing of the car-park and extensions to buildings. The County Engineer (Mr A. Dyhrberg) said about $660 was needed to complete the pool to a going concern. A less elaborate scheme could involve $20,500 as the cost of second stage work, including $7OOO for a shop and administration block, and improvements to the pool steps and surrounds. “We don’t know how it came about We had consultants right through. It was left to one member of the staff and financially it was a mess. We weren’t given the facts,” said the chairman (Mr D. H. Warren). The County Clerk (Mr A. Kelly) said there was no recommendation as to where the $20,000 would come from.

“I can’t get an answer. Would someone please tell me? It’s got to be found in the next 12 months,” said Cr Shuker. The reserves committee and the council would decide where the money should come from, or whether to spend it, said Mr Kelly. For the operating loss this year, $lOOO had been allowed. Mr Dyhrberg said that an administration block, concrete steps and concrete to and round the pool, costing in all $17,000, were essential. The council agreed to spend the $660 and on Cr Shuker’s motion, the staff was asked to report on further work needed, and ways of paying for it

The pool, which to date has cost about $93,000, will be opened on December 18.