MY Sapphire CommUnity (MSC) is spearheading a major clean-up and repainting of the subway at Warner Beach and is calling on volunteers to lend a hand.
The sprucing up of the subway was discussed at a meeting on Tuesday, 8 September to which various stakeholders were invited, including eThekwini and PRASA officials and Cllr Andre Beetge.
The subway, which runs under the railway lines in Warner Beach, allows pedestrian access to the beach from Andrew Zondo Road.
Gaylene Allen of MSC said the clean-up and repainting will take place over the next two weeks, starting this weekend.
“We’re delighted that eThekwini’s parks department has come on board to provide assistance, as well as Sapphire Coast Tourism and local businesses. Once cleaned, the subway will be repainted. We want the experience of walking through the subway to be a fun one for locals and tourists – the current condition is far from that.”
“If we start taking on small clean-up projects like this, the potential for knock-on effects is huge. Branding the Sapphire Coast as a leisure and sport’s lover’s paradise as well as an eco-holiday and tourist destination is measurable and possible. This in turn would create jobs and make our area more sustainable and desirable to live in.”
According to Glynis Rathbone of MSC, in years gone by, the subway was regularly patrolled by Amanzimtoti SAPS and Metro Police. “The subway is a vital thoroughfare linking the beach with the commercial strip. eThekwini Municipality’s economic development unit identified this pedestrian access as an important element in regenerating the local economy. For this to happen we need to ensure that walking through the subway is a safe and pleasant experience. We hope to have the area patrolled once more and will be inviting both SAPS and Metro Police to a Heritage Day clean-up.”
The spruce up takes place on Friday, 18 September to Sunday, 20 September between 8am and 4pm, and on Thursday, 24 September (Heritage Day) from 8am onwards. Free wors rolls for volunteers, while stocks last will be available on Heritage Day only.
For more information visit the Facebook page: Sapphirecommunity or email mysapphirecommunity@gmail.com.
