Thumbs up for Amanzimtoti festive season management

Amanzimtoti can pat itself on the back for hosting a successful 2017 festive season.

“Our local hospitality industry reported a somewhat lower than expected occupancy rate that could be attributed to successive long weekends and visitors choosing to rather stay with family, as opposed to using the formal hospitality sector,” said ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge.

“While people arguably had less disposable income, local ‘watering holes’ confirmed excellent daytime patronage, despite some rainy days in between excellent sunshine, yet with holidaymakers seemingly taking to bed earlier than in the past. With a definite decrease in beach attendance, and associated expenditure, we can still look back at an exceptional festive season with the best inter-departmental co-operation and lowest number of serious incidents in years.”

“The wastewater department experienced less problems than in the past and no beaches required closure or activities marred by any spillages. Flow was considerably reduced from both the Prospecton and Southgate industrial areas, thereby allowing resources to be concentrated towards residential areas. While the increased domestic flow resulted in a few minor blockages in the Amanzimtoti and Kingsburgh areas, no rising main bursts or gravity mains had to be repaired,” said Cllr Beetge.

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He reported that Durban Solid Waste (DSW) was able to maintain its litter clearing and domestic collection plan for the duration of the festive season, including numerous public holidays. Management promptly responded to requests of what appeared to be collection oversights. In most cases it actually related to residents who were late in setting out their bags or who moved their bags to alternative locations.

“We want to laud SAPS, the private sector largely represented by the Community Crime Prevention Organisation, ET Rapid Response and ER24, as well as Metro Police, law enforcement and other emergency services for their excellent contribution and participation during this period,” said Cllr Beetge.

Metro patrol vehicles were constantly observed but co-ordination and management approaches required minor road closure traffic management. Problematic beach parking areas were closely monitored and cleared at an early hour.

“Based on our own observation and residential, community and sportsmen’s reports who are active in the area from the early hours of the morning, we have to express our gratitude and appreciation to municipal staff who remained very committed in their attempts to satisfy everyone’s expectation.

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On certain days, staff worked night shifts, resulting in the presentation of clean beaches and streets in the early morning. Despite transport challenges on public holidays, staff members made alternative arrangements, resulting in a near 100% attendance throughout the season.

I can personally attest to law enforcement officers and beach management working 16-hour shifts in their efforts to render beaches safe or reunite children with their parents before going home.

We extend our gratitude towards every individual, whether an employer, employee, official, businessperson or resident who remained tolerant and committed towards a successful 2017 festive season programme, thereby ensuring Amanzimtoti remains the affordable destination of choice for so many.”