THE draft proposal for the South Durban beach upgrade plans was met equally with enthusiasm and apprehension by selected stakeholders on Wednesday, 10 September, nearly ten months after the initial round of public meetings.
After months of protracted campaigns in 2012 and 2013 by South Durban residents, the municipality greenlighted the upgrade, which will include Ansteys, Brighton, Treasure and Cuttings beaches. Locals excitedly put forward ideas for the initial proposal at public participation meetings in November 2013 and were assured a second round of meetings will take place in the first quarter of 2014, with the draft of the proposal in the latter part of the year.
The long overdue initial meeting this month had some highs and lows. While Harry Etheridge, chairman of local community tourism organisation, Sodruba is excited about the draft proposal, ward 66 councillor, Duncan Du Bois has voiced some dissatisfaction and South Durban Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) co-ordinator, Desmond D’Sa has raised a few concerns.
“While the emphasis on environmental conservation is laudable and indeed expected, I can’t support the construction of a road from Strand and Airlie roads to link up with Brighton Beach. I find this proposal utterly lacking in awareness as to the intrusion such a thoroughfare would place on what is already a very tightly compact residential area. I also can’t support the closure of Foreshore Drive to traffic beyond its residential component. While it is the intention to ease the traffic congestion by having two separate access points to the Bluff’s main beaches, the fundamental reality is that no matter how one configures access to the Bluff’s seashore, nature decrees that it has to be restricted. In other words, vehicular access has to be monitored and rationed during peak holiday times. Beyond those concerns, however, the proposals contain many exciting and innovative ideas,” said Du Bois.
Etheridge believes the addition of another road access point will prove beneficial to the beaches, which currently have very limited access. Overall, he is impressed with the way the contractors have handled the brief given to them by the community. “They are being very sensitive to the environment and ensuring very little is done to damage this green area. And as for the security and tourism aspect, I believe the plan will bring a much-needed transformation to the area,” said Etheridge.
SDCEA’s D’Sa said he is happy to see something tangible to upgrade, beautify and improve the area after many years of neglect. While welcoming the development, as blending with the natural environment, he does have some concerns.
“We agree with them not touching Treasure Beach and securing this as an environmental protection area where we can, together with the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa and other groups set up educational and environmental tours.” SDCEA agrees with the proposal of making the DMOSS area, only reachable by a bicycle and walking trail, with no motor vehicle access.
“We disagree with making a thoroughfare from Brighton to Ansteys and suggest a parking area be found where we have a park and ride developed,” said D’Sa.
No date has been set for further community participation meetings, and only after the plan has been finalised will a budget be affixed to the project. “It has to be remembered that the proposals are merely proposals. Further public comment and input is expected. Only after all the loose ends are sorted could the project be appraised in terms of a budget and find its way to the Economic Development and Planning committee for scrutiny. So there is still a long way to go,” said Du Bois.
