South Africa : eThekwini gears up for festive season

By Siboniso Ntuli

eThekwini - The eThekwini Municipality's festive season management committee together with provincial government departments are hard at work making the city cleaner, safer and a fun place ahead of the festive season.

"All those who will be visiting the city, should feel safer this season. The city has implemented plans to make Durban safe, clean and fun to be during the festive season.

"I encourage both local and foreign tourists to explore our beautiful city and all the activities on offer this season," said eThekwini Mayor Obed Mlaba.

In an effort to make the city a more attractive tourist destination, the city has employed more human resources such as lifeguards, security personnel, cleaners and beach maintenance staff.

Officials are confident, he said, that they have the capacity to handle the crowds expected during the festive season.

The mayor, however said, there were some problems identified in the past years such as public drinking, and swimming at night when there were no lifeguards, which unfortunately claimed lives.

"People are urged to follow instructions from the security officers, as they are there to help.

"Another problem was adults who swam at the pools designed for children. More security personnel have been deployed to keep an eye on such behaviour," the mayor said.

Mayor Mlaba said strict laws will be in place this festive season and he urged to public to enjoy themselves responsibly.

"Sleeping in buses, taxis and in the open contravenes the city's bylaws. The breaking of bottles is a serious offence as it puts other people in danger and liquor brought to the beach will be confiscated by the security personnel," said Mr Mlaba.

In an effort to avoid children getting separated from their parents at beaches, the municipality will have beach buddies who will be handing out wrist tags to parents for their children.

"Parents are reminded to ensure that they get wrist tags, which will identify their children should they become separated from them."

The city also reminded the public that it is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework to any person, animal, building or motor vehicle where such firework is in the process of exploding or detonating and where it is capable of projecting or discharging a charge or pyrotechnical effect.

The mayor further said that the sale of fireworks from vehicles was prohibited.

"No person shall deal in fireworks unless that person hold the required fireworks license in terms of the Explosives Act, 2003 (No 15 of 2003) and has obtained written permission from the municipality," the mayor said.

Public wanting access to the beachfront can obtain their permits from the Metro Police, Public Transport Section at 16 Archie Gumede Place. - BuaNews