Lee (centre) speaks to a Public Works Department officer (left) and a representative of the Miri Public Swimming Pool during his visit yesterday.

 
 

MIRI: The Miri Public Swimming Pool is in need of upgrading to provide better service and more conducive environment to the public.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin said ‘comprehensive’ upgrading works is needed as the nearly three-decade-old facility has been extensively used by the public since it began its operation in 1991.

“Previously, all ceramic tiles at this facility have been replaced with new ones whilst drain covers have been replaced as well. All these cost about RM600,000,” he said during a site visit yesterday.

He said he has already requested the management of Miri Public Swimming Pool to provide him a list of all areas that require improvement as he will be attending a meeting with an officer from Kuching tomorrow to discuss the necessary details.

Among areas that require immediate repair works include electrical circuits and benches, he added.
“I was told by the management that there were several instances when the power tripped, causing an outage. It could possibly be due to old wiring which requires immediate change.” He also indicated there were plans to build awnings for the swimming pool.

“During the mostly hot and sunny days here, it would be impossible for the public and swimmers undergoing training to get into the pool without getting sunburned. Therefore, a swimming pool awning could be very useful.”