Opinions and Responses

Regarding the Current Situation Where the Warming Room in the Pool at Owens Health Plaza Has Been 'Out of Order' for a Long Time

1. Proposals and Opinions
At Owens Health Plaza, which is operated by a designated administrator entrusted by Inagi City, the current situation where the warming room in the pool has been "out of order" for a long time is considered contrary to the improvement of residents' welfare and the rational operation of public facilities. The fact that the details of the malfunction and the recovery prospects have not been specifically disclosed, and that no measures such as a reduction in usage fees have been taken, may constitute negligence in management and supervision duties. Therefore, we propose the following corrective measures.
○ Promptly disclose the specific details of the malfunction and the recovery plan.
○ Establish a fair policy regarding usage fees for the period during which the warming room is unavailable.
○ Investigate the facts to determine whether the suspension of the warming room's operation is for cost-cutting purposes and take corrective measures.

2. Reasons for Proposals and Opinions
(1) Facts
Owens Health Plaza is a facility established to promote the health of citizens, and the warming room is an especially important facility for Older Adults and those who use it for extended periods.
The warming room has been unusable for about 10 months, and users have not been able to enjoy this function.
Currently, due to a lack of specific information provision and explanation, usage fees are being collected as usual. This situation cannot be considered an appropriate response.
(2) Legal and Contractual Issues
The long-term suspension of the warming room indicates that the facility is not fulfilling its intended role.
The fact that fee reductions or refunds have not been made may contradict the reasonable expectations of users and could result in an unjust gain of income.
Inagi City has the obligation to monitor whether the designated administrator is performing their duties appropriately and to provide guidance or corrective measures as necessary.

Inagi City is required to promptly provide specific information to users and review fees in order to ensure transparency regarding the Owens Health Plaza warming room and to conduct proper management and operation. It is important to protect the appropriate rights and welfare of users concerning this issue.

Response

First, we will respond regarding the details of the warming room failure and the restoration plan.
The warming room broke down in October 2025, and an inspection by a contractor confirmed that the heating wires in all units were burnt out due to aging deterioration. After obtaining repair estimates for the warming room, given the city's limited budget for repairs, it was necessary to prioritize repairs directly related to the operation and safety maintenance of the pool itself. Additionally, since we could offer the jacuzzi as an alternative facility, we had no choice but to postpone repairs during FY2025.

Subsequently, with repair prospects established in FY2024, a repair contract was signed with the contractor in July 2024, and the order was placed. We are currently proceeding with the aim of restoration by early autumn; however, due to global geopolitical instability and the impact of the Kumamoto earthquake, there may be delays in material deliveries and other aspects. Once the specific construction schedule is confirmed, it will be promptly announced via notices within the facility and on the Owens Health Plaza website. We kindly ask for your patience until then.

Next, regarding concerns that the suspension of the heating room's operation might be for the purpose of cost reduction.
As mentioned above, inspections by contractors have confirmed that the failure is a physical malfunction due to aging deterioration. There is no fact that the operation has been intentionally stopped for the purpose of cost reduction, so we would appreciate your understanding.

Regarding the usage fees during the period when the heating operation of the warming room is unavailable, please understand that, as explained both on the Owens Health Plaza website and verbally at the time of purchase, refunds after use cannot be provided for the season tickets you have purchased.

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