THE uMhlanga lifeguard tower has finally been completed. The construction of the tower started in May last year and was due to have been completed by the 2014 festive period. However, a steel strike and a delay in the delivery of the shuttering boards – which were manufactured off site and out of the province – were blamed for the hold up.
The R4-million project also saw improvements, with extra change rooms for staff as well as more bathrooms for the lifeguards. Emergency rooms were also upgraded. The new tower, which is c-shaped and made of concrete, has a 180-degree view of the beach and consists of one level with a balcony, a small kitchen and a first aid room.
uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, expressed his delight at the completion of the tower, which he said was ‘long overdue’.
“It’s taken a bit longer than expected, but I must commend the municipal officials who looked after the oversight of the project. This is a much-needed development for the area, especially for the people and the lifeguards. Aesthetically its very pleasing, and after speaking to some of the lifeguards on duty, it is just what they wanted, which is fantastic. The upgrade of these structures was long overdue as the old structure was falling apart,” he said.
His thoughts were echoed by Shontel Asbury, the DA’s whip of community and emergency services committee.
“Not only does this boost the morale of the lifeguards working here, but it is catering for exactly what they need. It’s a cleaner, happier and safer environment and it’s also for the greater good of the community,” Asbury said.
