With an additional re-allocate budget, the Durban beachfront will be ready ahead of what is expected to be a bumper festive season. Picture: Supplied
The eThekwini Municipality is ready to welcome residents and visitors to a safer, more enjoyable festive season, following the approval of a R5.4 million budget re-allocation.
The funds, drawn from the urban renewal budget, will enhance safety measures and the overall experience along Durban’s beachfront.
The Beachfront Management Office (BMO) will oversee these improvements, in collaboration with various city departments, as part of the Festive Season Management Plan (FESMAC).
Key initiatives planned include:
Park-and-Ride Services: Designed to reduce congestion, these services will make it easier for visitors to access the beachfront during peak times.
Safety and Emergency Enhancements: A 24-hour ambulance service will be stationed along the promenade, and additional security personnel will be deployed at high-traffic areas, ensuring a safer environment for all.
Traffic Management: The Metro Police and eThekwini Transport Authority will co-ordinate to streamline traffic flow, helping alleviate congestion in the area.
Upgraded Facilities: Additional ablution facilities, well-maintained beachfront showers, and improved cleanliness will contribute to a more comfortable beachfront experience.
The budget reallocation will ensure that essential services like maintenance and safety upgrades are prioritised without compromising the core operations of the BMO.
Further supporting urban development, the Council has approved an additional R2.23 million for the Rivertown Public Realm Upgrade Project, aimed at enhancing Durban’s inner-city appeal. This initiative, spearheaded by the Catalytic Projects Unit as part of the Inner-City Regeneration Programme, will improve the link between the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and the beachfront.
The Rivertown Public Realm Upgrade will include streetscape improvements, such as adding trees, waste bins, and vibrant murals, enhancing the precinct’s aesthetic appeal. This project builds on earlier efforts from 2021, aiming to establish a lively, pedestrian-friendly environment that attracts residents and visitors alike.
As part of a broader goal to create a cultural hub, the upgrade plans to feature galleries, theatres, and restaurants, promoting tourism and residential development.
This project aligns with the Inner-City Local Area Plan to foster a more connected and inclusive Durban, expected to increase the area’s attraction for events, stimulate investment, and support the completion of the Rivertown Beerhall Gallery.