Nkandla compound firepool controversy

The Nkandla compound in South Africa

At South African President Jacob Zuma's Nkandla compound and private residence in South Africa, a swimming pool deemed as having a dual-purpose as a "firepool" was constructed.[1] It was stated that the pool was built as a security feature and security upgrade,[2][3] as a source of water for firefighting. The pool's construction totaled slightly over R 3.9 million[2][3] (around USD $320,838). A controversy surrounded the construction of the firepool, which was a part of several improvements at the Nkandla compound to improve security that totaled around $23 million.[2][4] Official South African documents refer to the pool as a "fire pool", with the rationale that the pool can also serve as a water reservoir for firefighting.[4][5] Press reports have stated that the fire pool resembles a swimming pool.[4] Some media outlets have scrutinized the pool and deemed its construction as controversial,[5] characterizing it, for example, as a part of "questionable 'security renovations'."[1]

Part of the public response regarding the fire pool was the posting of "sarcastic tweets" on Twitter about the situation.[4] It has also faced "public condemnation"[5] from some South Africans. In a report titled "Secure in Comfort",[6] Public Protector Thuli Madonsela concluded that Zuma should repay some of the improvements costs, having "benefited unduly" from them.[4] However, Nkosinathi Nhleko, South Africa's Police Minister, stated that Zuma is not liable for any reimbursements.[2]

Cost

The pool at the Nkandla compound was built for slightly over R 3.9 million. Comparatively, construction of the same-sized pool has been given a sales quote of R 1.3 million for the pool itself, and a quote of R 1.8 million "with all the extras", which was provided from an anonymous pool builder based in Cape Town.[7] The total cost of the pool has been a point of contention among some South Africans and news media outlets.

Effectiveness

Tests conducted by South African firefighters found the pool's use as a firepool to be a more suitable water source for firefighting compared to a fire hydrant.[8] The water pressure was tested, and it was concluded that the pool was best for firefighting because water suction from the pool was stronger compared to that from fire hydrants.[8] It was also stated that the water supply to Nkandla is inconsistent, with low pressure, and "often runs out."[8] South African media outlets were provided with a video of the demonstration. [9]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Laing, Aislinn (November 29, 2013). "'Security' swimming pool lands South Africa's Zuma in hot water". The Telegraph. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Nhleko: Zuma not liable for Nkandla upgrades - As it happened". News24. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 "This is what Zuma’s R4 million fire pool looks like". BusinessTech. 28 May 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Wordsworth, Araminta (20 March 2014). "How the 'fire pool' at Nkandla could finally sink Jacob Zuma". National Post. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 Smith, David (29 November 2013). "Jacob Zuma accused of corruption 'on a grand scale' in South Africa". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 May 2015.
  6. ↑ Public Protector of South Africa (19 March 2014). "Secure in Comfort" (PDF). Retrieved 3 June 2015.
  7. ↑ Stolley, Giordano (29 May 2015). "For R3.9m, Zuma could have had an Olympic-size firepool". News24. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  8. 1 2 3 Capazorio, Bianca (28 May 2015). "Nkandla has erratic water supply - Nhleko defends Zuma's 'fire pool'". The Times. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  9. ↑ "Watch: Video used to demonstrate utility of Zuma's fire-pool". The Times. 29 May 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2015.

Further reading

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