BEACHGOERS using the ablution facilities near Durbanview Park on the Umhlanga beachfront can expect improved amenities within the next two weeks following the allocation of R200 000 for refurbishment work.

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The upgrade comes after ongoing complaints from the public about the condition of the public toilets, which had been vandalised and, in some cases, rendered unusable.

Zahir Danbar, who frequents the promenade, said he was shocked, surprised, and most of all disappointed and upset when he visited the beach on May 27.

“I discovered that none of the toilet cisterns in either the men’s or ladies’ toilets have the necessary components to automatically stop the water flow once the cistern is full. More importantly, there are no isolation valves fitted to the cistern water supply lines. These are standard fittings as they allow the water supply to be shut off when maintenance or repairs are required,” said Danbar.

He was pleased to discover that the ablutions are undergoing much-needed refurbishments.

Ward 35 councillor Bradley Singh said the project, funded through the City’s Capital Infrastructure Programme (CIP) block sum allocation, will include the installation of new toilets, replacement tiling, electrical repairs and repainting.

“The consultants determined the scope of work for projects funded through the CIP allocation,” said Singh.

He said assessments had been conducted on the current state of the facilities, with vandalism and deterioration identified as key concerns.

“Due to budget constraints, repairs could not be undertaken immediately. However, now that funding is available, work is underway and is expected to be completed within the next two weeks,” he said.

Residents had previously raised concerns about the condition of the ablutions, with some facilities reportedly out of service for extended periods.

Singh said the project had been communicated to residents during a public meeting before funding was allocated.

“I informed residents about the projects that would be undertaken using CIP funding and there were no objections,” he said.

To ensure the facilities remain functional after the upgrade, Singh said the ablutions will be monitored and attended to should any issues arise.

“If there is any work that needs to be done after the project is completed, it will be addressed immediately from the operational budget,” he said.

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