THE sun shone brightly on Durban’s golden shores on Saturday morning as Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda led 6 009 residents on an 8km fun walk to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new promenade extension.
The City’s beachfront investments have paid significant socioeconomic dividends given the quality of public space promoting unity in diversity and direct investor confidence which has seen investment by the hospitality industry in the revamping and expanding of their facilities, with Suncoast being the most notable and recent.
The promenade extension is 750 meters long and 30 meters wide, making it the longest in sub-Saharan Africa and provides linkages to all beaches on the city’s eastern boundary, tourist centres and the uMgeni River estuary cycle route and jogging track.
Breaking ground in January 2018, with a spend of just under R400 million, the project was completed over 440 working days, employing 500 construction workers and in the process ensuring that R135 million was spent on sub-contracting.
The investment made by the City will pay dividends, as partners prepare to launch phase one of the developments planned within this precinct, including a 29-storey residential development, hotel development and a retail mall with a combined estimated market value of R3.5 billion.
Festive season plans unpacked
SPEAKING at the launch of the festive season management plans (FESMAC) following the opening of the promenade extension on Saturday, Mayor Kaunda encouraged all visitors to take their time and explore the city and tourism facilities in the townships, suburbs and bustling central business districts.
“The festive period is truly a time that we savour as it provides us the opportunity to showcase our beautiful city and its endless offerings to local, national and international visitors,” he said.
FESMAC is gearing up for a bumper festive period. EThekwini’s multi-pronged holiday plan includes various activities, events and activations through the city which will officially kick into gear from 1 December and continue until 14 January.
The City’s Metro Police has made special provisions and will enforce a traffic management plans during these holidays.
Interventions to ensure safety and security of all visitors and residents, will be on high alert throughout the festive period, especially on high peak days.
Contingencies which will be put in place this festive period include 50 pool guides and 50 beach buddies who will be recruited to ensure that beach and pool patrons are kept safe.
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Child minders will be deployed from 6am to 6pm and every child entering the beach will be tagged with particulars of their parent or guardian in the event of separation to facilitate parent and child are reunited efficiently.
Additional security resources will be procured through the Security Management Unit, and the Law Enforcement operating hours will be extended over the festive season.
In addition to 75 permanent cleaning staff, 60 additional staff will be sourced. All ablution facilities will close at 10pm.
The beach cleaning services will be increased with 56 seasonal staff together with 48 permanent staff on a 24 hour operation base. In addition, 200 litter pickers will be appointed for the festive season to augment the staffing provided by Parks and Durban Solid Waste.
Drawing on the success of the last two years, Park and Ride facilities that will be based mainly at the old drive-in to ensure ease of traffic congestion in and around the beachfront.
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