Bumper weekend events under control, says Metro

A FULL weekend of activities in and around the Moses Mabhida Stadium has sparked a deluge of warnings that motorists and those attending the events could be faced with chaos.

The city will be hosting two major games, Bafana Bafana take on Gambia in the AFCON qualifier and the Sharks take on Western Province at King’s Park. In addition, a music festival will be held in nearby People’s Park. All the events will take place on the same day.

Ward councillor Martin Meyer said he understood this was a sporting and entertainment precinct, and he and ward residents, welcomed events like these which boosted the area and the city as a whole. However, he said it was when concerts and loud events carried on till very late at night or into the early hours of the morning that it caused a problem.

“It seems this concert will end at a reasonable time, so I am not concerned. I do however feel that the different stadiums and the city should meet at the end of each year in an attempt to co-ordinate events to try and prevent such bumper weekends like these as it does put a strain on traffic and the city’s resources. I am concerned that, with metro police overtime issues still plaguing the city, we might face some logistical problems on the day,” he said.

According to Moses Mabhida Stadium manager, Vusi Mazibuko, it is not be the first time that more than one event has been held on the same day in the precinct. He said he was confident it would go off well. He said a parking plan detailing all the security measures and plans, traffic arrangements and whether roads would be closed or not was being formalised.

Metro police spokesman Eugene Msomi said planning for the events was underway and with correct planning and co-operation with the organisers, the police were sure everything would run smoothly.

Meyer welcomed all the teams visiting the city and wished the two home teams the very best of luck.