It’s safe to go back into the water
With the dispute resolved, shark nets were replaced on Thursday last week.
THE Hibiscus Coast’s shark safety gear, removed on Monday morning last week, was reinstated at first light the following Thursday, much to the relief of concerned local business people.
The shark nets at all Hibiscus Coast beaches were lifted by KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board because of a dispute between Hibiscus Coast Municipality and the board over fees for its services.
According to sharks board head of operations, Mike Anderson-Reade, the matter was amicably resolved at a meeting between his organisation’s chief executive Mthokozisi Radebe and Maxwell Mbili, the municipal manager of the Hibiscus Coast Municipality.
“We are pleased to announce that the issues surrounding the removal of shark safety gear on the Hibiscus Coast have been amicably resolved,” said Mr Anderson-Reade.
Hibiscus Coast Municipal spokesman Simon Soboyisa confirmed that all nets were back in place. “In reference to finances, the two accounting officers agreed that the municipality would continue paying the tariffs it was paying before the issue of increase of tariffs became a dispute between the two entities,” he said. The two accounting officers had agreed that engagements on the issues leading to the breakdown of relations would continue, he added.
