The newly inaugurated Charles-III College in Monaco is grappling with an unresolved issue, as its swimming pool remains unusable due to significant leaks. The government has taken formal action, notifying the project management and the construction company responsible for the work.
During recent budget debates, National Councillor Marine Hugonnet-Grisoul raised questions about the swimming pool’s status, which has been closed since the college opened. Céline Caron-Dagioni, Minister of Equipment, Environment, and Urban Planning, addressed the matter, emphasising the government’s expectation for accountability. “We have issued formal notices to the project management and the contractor via registered mail. They must propose effective and rapid solutions, but for now, they are blaming each other,” she stated, Monaco-Matin reports.
Drawing parallels to past infrastructure challenges, Caron-Dagioni referenced the Jardins d’Apolline scandal and made it clear the state would not prematurely fund repairs. “We ordered a swimming pool that doesn’t leak. Before using public funds, we expect the responsible parties to identify the source of the issue and resolve it.”
In an effort to set a clear timeline, Minister of State Didier Guillaume stepped in, declaring that a solution must be reached by the start of the next school year in September.
In the meantime, students continue their swimming lessons at alternative facilities, including the pools at the Louis-II Stadium and the Annonciade site. The latter will undergo improvement works to maintain it to standard, as confirmed by Interior Minister Lionel Beffre. However, Beffre noted that funding for these upgrades is planned for the 2026 budget.
National Council President Thomas Brezzo expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, urging the government to allocate funds in the 2025 amended budget to expedite the necessary work. As discussions continue, the focus remains on resolving the Charles-III College swimming pool’s issues, ensuring students can soon benefit from an on-site facility that meets the expected standards.
