Bluff beach upgrade confirmed

Sohana Singh of the municipality communications office said plans are in place for the rehabilitation and upgrade of Brighton, Ansteys and Treasure beaches.
Meetings have already taken place between key stakeholders about the potential of the upgrade. On Monday, 12 August a small group of Bluff representatives met with eThekwini-appointed architects and the South Durban Community Tourism Organisation, Sodurba to discuss the plan.

“There was consensus that the Bluff coastline is extremely ecologically and environmentally sensitive and whatever planning was envisaged should take that into account. It is pleasing to note that finally there is some momentum on the issue of upgrading the Bluff’s beaches,” said ward 66 councillor, Duncan Du Bois.

Many Bluffites have been vociferous in their anger at the municipality’s apparent lack of concern for the local beaches. In March, a section of wall on Brighton Beach collapsed. Since then nothing has been done to repair it and it has degraded further, taking two benches and a large section of walkway with it. The coastline is seldom cleaned and the pools are often closed without reason. With this upgrade, the beaches should not only see these problems eradicated, but tourism in the whole South Durban area should increase with more recreational opportunities made available.

“I have been informed by coastal engineering official, Godfrey Vella that the wall will be sorted out by December. I share the views of those who have complained to me about the council’s tardy approach to the issue,” said Cllr Du Bois.

The coastline has not seen much development over the years, largely due to the inaccessibility of the beaches and the way locals vociferously guard their territory from outsiders.
Many locals have said they do not want the area to become too overdeveloped, but would like it to include better access, more recreational facilities and security. All of this however, must include the community itself, with their input being prioritised by the developers.

The municipality has conducted a study of the area and public participation meetings are set to take place in October to determine the community’s needs and to receive valuable input. The results of these meetings, along with social, environmental and economic considerations, will be included in drafting a plan for the area.

“Besides being a vital business node, the municipality has identified the South Durban Basin (SDB) as a key tourism node and will be investing in the upgrade of the recreational facility to boost its tourism potential. Over the next few years, as budgets become available, further infrastructure upgrades are also planned. The SDB has many key attractions that the municipality hopes to look into, as well as other opportunities that would build on the investment made in upgrading the Bluff beaches to showcase the area’s full potential,” said Sohana.