Mayor inspects R380 million promenade extension due to open next month (VIDEO, PHOTOS)

THE Durban beachfront promenade extension has been completed in time for the 2019 festive season.

eThekwini Municipality Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda conducted a walk about at the promenade at about 11am on Wednesday, 23 October as project manager, Afika Ndima showcased the newly constructed beach side area.

Kaunda said he envisions a development which will boost the economy and tourism of the city.

“We are envisioning about R35 billion investment around the area. As a city, we have invested about R380 million to expand the promenade. As you have seen, there were some shortages, so now we have closed that gap. This will enable visitors, and our own domestic visitors to enjoy the hospitality around this area,” he said.

“When people come around here, there is a linkage between the beach as well as uShaka Marine World. That trait on its own attracts tourists to enjoy their stay when they are here,” he added.

The project also aims to boost local business.

“We have also opened opportunities, out of the R380 million invested on infrastructure here, we have also allocated about R120 million to the emerging companies so they also partake in the economy of the city,” said Kaunda.

The promenade will have a seamless flow from Blue Lagoon to the harbour, at roughly eight kilometres in total length and is due to be open to the public next month.

The inspection formed part of a broader city walkabout to inspect various problem areas.

“The main reason for the walk about was to conduct inspections on the work we are doing  as well as identifying areas where we will need to intervene to fix things including storm water drainage systems and roads where there are pot holes. We also conducted visits to some taxi ranks where we inspected public toilets. We did find some challenges which we plan to fix,” said Kaunda.

Among his concerns are safety, traffic and informal trading.

“Those (traders) who are not eligible to be there need to be allocated their own space so we open up our city. The beautiful city we know is becoming ugly when we allow trading to be done on each and every street corner of the city,” he said.

The city plans to allocate park and ride systems to encourage people to ride bicycles around the city to reduce traffic and respond to climate change concerns.

You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532.  

Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.