EThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo, assured beachgoers and holidaymakers that the Municipality has pulled out all the stops to ensure that the beaches are safe and clean during the festive season.
Today, 30 December 2015, Nxumalo accompanied by Municipal officials from various Units, embarked on a pre-New Year’s Eve walkabout at the beachfront to inspect the state of the beaches as well as provide an update on the City’s Festive Season Management Plan. During the walk, Nxumalo interacted with members of the public and educated them about the importance of keeping the City clean.
The purpose of the walkabout was for Mayor to check that the festive season operational plans are still in place, assure residents and visitors of the Municipality’s commitment to a safe and enjoyable festive season for all and wish them a happy and prosperous New Year.
“We want to reaffirm that the beaches are fully operational and all systems are running as per our operational plans. As a caring City we want people to come and enjoy themselves with us. However, we encourage good and responsible behavior so that we can all celebrate the start of the new year, safe and in good health,” said Nxumalo.
He urged people to co-operate with the police and lifeguards.
“All parents/guardians have the responsibility to look after their children and belongings. The beach sometimes gets packed to capacity and this can be overwhelming for children so it is crucial that we put their safety and wellbeing first,” Nxumalo added.
Nxumalo said our roads are very busy this time of the year with people travelling to various destinations and urged all motorists to drive safely and obey the rules of the road.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, so I appeal to all motorists to exercise extreme caution while travelling on the road, fasten your seatbelts, do not drive under the influence of alcohol, ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and be patient with other road users,” said Nxumalo.
NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
As the use of fireworks in associated with celebration, particularly during this time of the year, eThekwini Municipality urges residents and holidaymakers to act responsibly and celebrate within the ambits of the law. Residents are reminded to abide by the Municipality’s by-laws and exercise caution when lighting fireworks. The use of fireworks is only permitted from 31 December 2015 at 23h45 to 01 January 2016 at 00h15.
Here are some safety tips to ensure that all residents have a memorable and safe celebration:
- The use of fireworks should always be done under the supervision of an adult.
- Animals must be looked after. Call your nearest SPCA or Vetenerian advise.
- Do not place any body part directly over a fireworks devise when lighting the fuse.
- Allow fireworks to complete their burning. Ensure that the flame is completely doused by pouring water on it before discarding it into the bin.
- Do not detonate a fuse whilst aiming at a person or animal.
- Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them off in a metal or glass container.
- Light one fireworks device at a time and move away quickly.
- Do not try to re-light or pick up fireworks if they have not ignited fully.
BEACH STATISTICS
Over the past two days, 28-29 December 2015, the Municipality welcomed over 255 660 people to the various beaches. Approximately 108 rescue operations were carried out and 3524 people received first aid treatment.
Approximately 14 188 armbands were issued to children. Children separated and subsequently re-united with their parents/guardians were 40.
Litter collected amounted to approximately 253 490 tons throughout the City Centre.
Mayor gives an elderly woman a gift that will change her life