Beat the crowds this Christmas
Anstey’s Beach has been spruced up in time for the holiday
AS PART of our ongoing beach monitoring and checks, this week we focus on Anstey’s Beach in the south of Durban.
It has become a popular spot for families, surfers and fishermen.
Unlike the past festive season, where bathers could not access the beach facilities due to the grading of sand, the closure of swimming pools and the construction of a storm water pipe, this week the area was open for business.
ethekwini Municipality undertook a mammoth sand replenishment task earlier this year to rehabilitate the beach. When we arrived on Wednesday, the beach and its amenities were clean and in a good condition. All showers and toilets worked. There was a strong presence of private security and metro police. Lifeguards were also on duty. Attractions at Anstey’s Beach were the braai areas, swimming pools for children under 12-years-old and restaurants and bars nearby.
Hendrik Moore of Wentworth said he found Anstey’s Beach very clean and he lauded the ward councillor and municipality for ensuring everything was in order.
“This is the closest beach for us. We need this type of service especially during the holidays because we all cannot go to the central beaches.
“This is perfect for kids, the community and local businesses. It is safe and everyone can come and enjoy the beach,” he said. Ward councillor JP Prinsloo said he had pressurised the municipality into ensuring that everything was functional at the beach before the festive season. “The city’s full council approved the decision to refurbish this beach in 2014 but the process had many challenges along the way.
“Finally, it’s all done, although there is still another plan to improve our beach. The city also has safety pals and exciting programmes on the beach throughout the year for people to enjoy,” he said. Bathing times at all Durban beaches are from 6am to 6pm.
The municipality has a beefed-up security detail at all its beaches this festive season, which includes childminders, lifesavers, security guards and police.
Sixty-nine “beach buddies” and 32 childminders, who serve as beach ambassadors, will be available.
They are identifiable through their uniform. Marquees have been erected at all their beaches to provide a place of safety for children separated from their parents or guardians.