BEACHGOERS will be pleased to see that the once dilapidated ablution facility along Umhlanga Promenade has been revamped and is ready for use over the festive season.

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The rehabilitation process was initiated following discussions between Umhlanga Tourism and the Parks, Recreation and Culture Department in April, however it took a long time before Tourism’s request could be approved and work could begin.

“The ablutions were shocking and a real embarrassment for such an upmarket area. The units that were out of order were just covered in black bin bags, many fittings vandalised, taps dripping and toilets leaking. It was an unpleasant place to have to visit indeed,” explained Umhlanga Tourism’s chairperson, Jeannie Sarno.

“There was a lot of red tape to get through before renovations could start but we never gave up and ensured that the Parks Department pushed the item as priority before the festive season began. Work started in November and was complete in early December,” added Sarno.

The cost of the project was R500 000 due to the severe state of deterioration, however with regular maintenance, Sarno is hoping that this facility will remain in this pristine condition.

Sarno added that the Umhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) had been extremely helpful as a first contact quick fix.

“They are a real asset to uMhlanga as they attend to dripping pipes and leaks as soon as they see it or whenever they are reported. This also helps Parks Department to attend to bigger items on their to-do list as their coastline is a long one and manpower and budget doesn’t always allow them to do what is required to do,” she said.

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As a dreamer, Sarno envisions an adopt-a-loo project where artists paint African artwork on each building along the promenade. The funding would be supplied by local businesses.

“We are hoping that vandalism stops so that we can progress with new facilities rather than always to repair or replace. Even Umhlanga Main Beach ablutions have been attended to and Bronze Beach’s ablution is functional. Work will resume with the new year,” she said.

“As Umhlanga Tourism chairperson, I am extremely proud and happy with the perfect partnership we have between the Parks Department and the UIP. Working together in a collaborative way has proven to be most effective and productive,” added Sarno.

She urged residents to log complaints on the eThekwini App and share the reference number with the UIP, tourism body or the area’s ward councillor.

Email Tourism at info@umhlangatourism.co.za or call 031 561 4251.

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