Booze ban at Umlalazi Reserve

DAY visitors of the Umlalazi Nature Reserve in Mtunzini will no longer be permitted to bring alcohol into the Reserve during the festive season as of immediate effect.

This comes after a temporary ban imposed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Following a number of alcohol related incidents and complaints from registered guests of the Reserve, the decision was taken by Ezemvelo Conservation Manager Trueman Buthelezi and the Mtunzini Residents Association (MRA) to implement a temporary ban to avoid any further problems.

‘We initially decided to ban alcohol in the Reserve from 16 December. However, after a number of incidents the MRA and I made the decision to implement a longer ban as of 22 December,’ said Buthelezi.

MRA chairperson Jeremy Nottingham says the ban was needed, as despite implementing alcohol restrictions on certain days in the year, people were still disrespecting the rules of the Reserve and leaving a trail of bottles and waste behind them.

‘Only registered guests and overnight residents are permitted to bring alcohol into the Reserve during their stay,’ said Nottingham.

While resident campers are allowed to carry alcohol, it may not leave the site.

‘Campers are to keep their alcohol in their site and away from the beach and lagoon,’ said Buthelezi.

While the decision does not come lightly, Nottingham says much has been done in the past to try and curve the ongoing problems.

‘More cameras were placed in the Reserve and the number of guards patrolling the area was increased,’ said Nottingham, but not even this could control the problem.

Although the ban is only temporary, the matter will be looked into again in the New Year, with the hope of implementing a permanent ban on alcohol.