Merebank fishermen to benefit from Cuttings Beach upgrades

THE South Durban Basin Area Based Management (SDB ABM) hosted a workshop on Wednesday, 17 March at its  offices, which provided a platform for government departments and community members to discuss the concept plan for the Cuttings Beach Upgrade project.

“The project seeks to refurbish the Cuttings Beach as part of the South Durban Basin Beaches Upgrade project.  This project envisages the upgrading of these beaches for tourism attraction and economic development,” said Gugu Radebe, Project Manager Economic Development Unit of eThekwini Municipality.

This development is being planned on the back of a eThekwini water services sewer upgrade currently being undertaken at the beach. The SDB ABM has coordinated several meetings with relevant line departments, contractors and project managers to trace and fast-track the progress of the initial phase of the project which is still at a conceptual stage. Subsequent to a site inspection conducted in February, the need to conduct this workshop arose, which afforded members of the existing Merebank Fishing Forums an opportunity to put forward their wish list and contributions to the project. PR Councillor Amar Ramkisson said that the fishermen of the Merebank community should forward their wish list to the project managers or via the SDB ABM in order to be satisfied with the overall development of Cuttings Beach.

Eurakha Singh, Senior Manager SDB ABM, said this workshop was a huge step forward in addressing the long standing challenges expressed by local fishermen over the years. She added that while all requests made by the fishermen could not be acceded to, due to environmental regulations and other reasons, the workshop did provide an opportunity for the fishermen to voice their views.

Sharin Rajman chairperson of the OSS Ward 68 War Room said she applauded the SDB ABM and municipal departments for initiating a project that will definitely improve facilities for the community of Merebank

It is believed that the project would be a positive addition to the long serving fishermen in the community and would be open to all fishermen in eThekwini. The project is in line with the city’s vision which is that by 2030 eThekwini will be Africa’s most caring and liveable city.

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