Missing shark nets in place
Clean-up completed
IT IS now safe to swim on Durban’s beaches, closed after tidal waves bashed the promenade on Sunday. ethekwini Municipality’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department head Thembinkosi Ngcobo said the delay in opening the beaches was caused by destruction of shark nets.
“Six of the seven missing nets were recovered and all beaches between ushaka and Country Club have had nets reinstalled.
The municipality is in the process of re-installing sharks nets at ethekwini and Lagoon beaches,” he said.
ushaka, Addington and Wedge beaches were opened first to the public followed by beaches in the north, central and south.
Ansteys Beach, Bluff had also been re-opened after the Sharks Board advised it was safe to do so as the safety gear had been checked and put in place.
When City Watch visited North Beach yesterday, bathers were in abundance.
ethekwini conducted clean-up operations throughout the week, which included clearing debris, litter and large volumes of sand that had washed up on the promenade and car park area. Infrastructure repairs and replacement of the sea wall capping was also completed. Plumbing at showers and toilets had been repaired. One fast food outlet was still closed due to damage to its sliding door.
The owner of Billal Cuisine, Fatima Farhan, said although her store suffered extensive damage, she had opened to trade by Tuesday but customer numbers had dropped.
“The fridges and computers were damaged, the place was full of sand. It used to be buzzing during lunch and dinner.
“I think people are afraid to come to the beach. I can say that business is down by at least 40%,” she said.
Thabang Jankie from Rustenburg arrived in Durban on Monday. He said he was reluctant to go to the beach at first.
“My holiday was already booked so I had to come. I’m happy I’m able to enjoy the last days of summer on the warm beaches,” he said.
Joel Moodley from Cato Manor said he had visited the beach daily since the incident and was pleased with the municipality’s clean-up efforts.
“I haven’t brought my children to the beach yet because my wife doesn’t think it’s a good idea, but more people are coming and the municipality has done excellent work cleaning up.
“I should be able to come with my family soon,” said Moodley.
The city said the cost of the damage would be calculated as soon as assessments had been completed.
A 24-hour patrol has been put in place in the interests of safety.