Durban ready to welcome holidaymakers

IT’S all systems go in Durban as the city prepares to welcome holidaymakers and locals over the festive season.

In a media release this week, Mayor James Nxumalo said holidaymakers would be able to enjoy all the upgraded facilities from the Blue Lagoon to uShake Marine World, including the new restaurants which will be operational over the festive season.

The new look of the Blue Lagoon included the rehabilitation of the southern bank to Umngeni River, the pedestrianisation of the Blue Lagoon pier, picnic and braai areas, trading kiosks and a special cycle lane from Blue Lagoon to Riverside Road are bound to add to the holiday experience.

The city has put together a comprehensive festive season management plan that comprises of roles and responsibilities of various internal and external stakeholders of the Municipality.

“Law enforcement agencies which include Metro Police, South African Police Services, Law Enforcement and Security personnel have been deployed at different areas to ensure holidaymakers and locals are able to enjoy themselves in a safe and responsible manner,” said Nxumalo.

Approximately 500 Metro Police officers have been divided into beach activities group, foot patrols group and motor patrol group will be deployed 24 hours to strategically deal with crime prevention, traffic enforcement and law enforcement. The targeted areas are north, south and central Durban beaches.

The Municipality’s Deputy Head of Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department and Chairperson of Festive Season Management Committee (FESMAC), Christo Swart said two additional CCTV Centres which have been opened in Pinetown and the beachfront will provide additional security. The CCTV Centre at the Disaster Management Centre will also be operational to help spot criminal activities at the beachfront.

The Clean My City programme, which aims at keeping the city clean during the festivities, urges people to use bins to dispose of waste. Durban Solid Waste has extended its working hours, and two shifts will be operational this festive season. Sweeping activities will be conducted from 6am to 10pm each day.

“Approximately 48 permanent lifeguards, 58 seasonal lifeguards and some voluntary lifeguards will be situated at various bathing beaches to ensure the safety of all bathers. It is important for bathers to co-operate with them and only swim in designated areas and during the specified times, which are 6am to 6pm for the central beach and swimming pools and 6am to 5pm at the district aquatic facilities,” said Swart.

He advised parents and guardians to ensure children under their care received wristbands that contined their personal details as soon as they arrived at the beach. “These can be obtained from any of the 100 beach buddies (identified by their orange bibs written “I’m here to help you” or childminder. In cases where children are separated from their parents or guardians, the first point of call should be the gazebos written “Separated Children” where they will be looked after until collected. For safety reasons parents collecting children should produce proof of identity,” he said.

To avoid congestion on the beachfront area, certain roads leading will be closed on peak days which are; 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31 December 2013 and 01-02 January 2014. Only motorists with access permits will be allowed access to the beachfront. Buses and taxis will be expected to drop off passengers and park at the Drive Inn site in Stalwart Simelane (Stanger) Street.

“Last year our beaches had a footprint of approximately 3 million people. As is the trend, we expect that more numbers will visit us this summer and we welcome all people with open arms. We encourage them to take full advantage of our scenic tourist destinations, various activities that have been planned and learn about our diverse cultures. We also urge them to do this in a safe and responsible manner, as we would like to see them go back home refreshed and ready to start the New Year,” said Swart.