City shares statistics as thousands flock to Durban

THOUSAND of both domestic and international holidaymakers descended on Durban this past week. The City recorded 293 520 beachgoers and 4 744 300 promenade visitors from December 5-11.

In a statement, the eThekwini Municipality released statistics recorded over the past week. According to the City, there were 14 cases in which children were separated from their parents and later re-united. Approximately 9 152 warnings were issued and nine arrests made for breaking City by-laws. Offences included illegal parking, nudity, sleeping on the beach, drinking alcohol in public, bathing in non-bathing areas, fighting, dogs not being leashed, and general disturbance. There were about 162 charges for unauthorized vehicles parked in disabled parking spaces and for washing vehicles in parking spaces. Approximately 22 646 bags of litter were collected during the same period. No drownings were reported at local beaches.

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EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda appealed to the public to adhere to safety precautions to ensure an incident-free festive season.

“We are happy with the good conduct of the public especially at Durban beaches. We encourage the public to continue to co-operate with the police and other law enforcement, and Municipal staff including lifeguards to ensure their safety,” said Kaunda.

The following beaches are open for public swimming: Point, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, Wedge, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Anstey’s, Toti Main, Pipeline and uMdloti Main. Bathing at beaches is allowed from 0:600 – 18:30 daily. The public is not allowed to swim at night as beaches are not manned by lifeguards. Toilets and ablution facilities are open from 06:00 – 20:00 on Monday to Thursday, and from 06:00 – 22:00 from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays.

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Currently, 25 Municipal swimming pools are operational and the City recorded 25 836 members of the public visiting pools between December 5-11. Open swimming pools include: Rainham, Durban North, Pipeline Paddling, Tiger Rocks, Anstey’s, Westville, Kings Park Indoor, Kings Park Outdoor, Stanmore, uMlazi D, L.T King, Bayview, Arena Park, Alex Bulley, Lamontville, Lahee Park, Ntuzuma G, Sutton Park, South Beach Paddling, Tesoriere, Mariannridge, Tills Crescent, Croftdene, Bellair and Umgababa. Swimming times at the pools are 09:00 to 16:30 daily.