LAST week, the eThekwini Council noted and approved the budget for upgrading and making over the city’s popular tourism attraction, the beachfront.

The City’s spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said, “eThekwini is all set for an enhanced festive season for visitors and residents following the approval to reallocate R5.4 million from the urban renewal budget to boost safety and the visitor experience on Durban’s beachfront during the festive season.
Managed by the Beachfront Management Office (BMO), these initiatives are in collaboration with various City departments and form part of the Festive Season Management Plan (FESMAC).”

She shared that the planned interventions included Park-and-Ride Services in order to reduce congestion and provide easier access to the beachfront so traffic flow would also be streamlined.

“Improved safety and emergency services will be implemented with a 24-hour ambulance service stationed along the promenade and increased security at key locations,” she added.

Also read: Redevelopment of Durban beachfront hotels on horizon

Also on the upgrades lists are additional ablution facilities, maintained beachfront showers and enhanced cleanliness.

“This strategic budget shift ensures that essential functions, such as maintenance and safety, are enhanced without affecting the BMO’s core operations,” Sisilana concluded.

The council also approved a budget of R2.23 million to support the Rivertown Public Realm Upgrade Project. This initiative is aimed to enhance the connection between the Durban ICC and the beachfront.

The council further declared, “The Rivertown Public Realm Upgrade will focus on streetscape enhancements, such as trees, waste bins, and murals. This project will expand efforts to establish a cultural hub featuring galleries, theatres and restaurants, boosting the precinct’s appeal for events, attracting investment and supporting the completion of the Rivertown Beerhall Gallery.”

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