Durban — The eThekwini Municipality has indicated that it is expecting to welcome more than 700 000 visitors to Durban this festive season.
That was according to mayor Mxolisi Kaunda during a media briefing on Thursday.
Kaunda said that they were confident the work they have done to improve water quality on the beaches would result in an increase of visitors who will want to enjoy their festive season in Durban’s sea, sun and sand.
“For the 2022 festive season, we anticipate welcoming 702 000 visitors to Durban. This will result in an occupancy rate of 75% across accommodation establishments, direct spend of over R1.5 billion, over R3.8 contribution to the GDP (gross domestic product) and 7 775 job opportunities,” Kaunda said.
He said that during the festive period, their law enforcement officers would ensure that traffic is well managed with soft road closures and park & rides for those who would be using public transport.
Kaunda added that seasonal staff would be recruited to ensure beaches are safe and clean.
He said the municipality has implemented the following:
- Recruitment of seasonal staff to supplement the city’s permanent staff. These include 160 lifeguards, 135 litter pickers, 20 small plant operators, 67 beach buddies, 48 childminders to care for separated children and 85 pool attendants, 120 fieldworkers for the beach-cleaning programme.
- Procurement of seven tents for separated children.
- Secured overnight facility for separated children at Ellis Brown Primary School.
- Procurement of 150 000 armbands for easy identification of children.
He said that on Friday, they would be hosting a lifeguard competition on the beachfront where lifeguards would be showcasing their fitness and readiness for the season.
He also said that an extra 200 new recruits have recently joined the metro police and they will form part of the festive season integrated safety plan.
“The new constables are part of the city’s long-standing commitment to increase police personnel to ensure eThekwini is safe both for our residents and visitors,” Kaunda said.
“We are pleased to announce that we have also partnered with Etron Electric Motorbikes who have donated motorbikes to the Metro Police which will be used for patrol during the festive season. We really appreciate this gesture from the private sector as it demonstrates that fighting crime is a collective responsibility.”
Daily News