Italian pool considered

An Italian swimming pool company may be involved in the development of the Cook Islands first public swimming pool in Rarotonga.

The pool proposal has been around for years and architect Romani Katoa has produced concept designs as well as cost estimates for various options.

The sourcing of funds and lack of unanimous public support for any particular option has slowed implementation of the project.

Katoa, who is the Cook Islands Swimming Association president, has just returned from the world swimming championships in China.

While in Shanghai he managed to liaise with representatives of the Italian firm, which is contracted to provide pools for world championship events.

Katoa says the company can provide ready-made transportable or fixed pools of sorts, although the cost for each is more than $1 million.

In Shanghai Katoa also discussed his plans to establish a public swimming pool in Rarotonga with representatives of other Pacific swimming organisations.

He says it is possible the Italian firm could provide a discount rate for pools if a number are ordered by Pacific nations.

They want to help us out.

The option of a tidal pool at Avaruas waterfront for about $750,000 is still on the cards.

Eventually Katoa hopes to finalise a proposal to put before cabinet, which would include things such as an Environment Impact Assessment.

- Rosie Manins