Durban — As part of the eThekwini Municipality’s festive security plan, Metro Police will deploy 500 newly trained officers to ensure the safety of tourists.
This was announced by eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba during the festive season safety plan launch, in Durban on Wednesday. The mayor announced that the 500 strong recruits were completing their training and would be paraded in the next few days and all of them would be deployed in areas that are frequented by tourists, including beachfront.
The mayor also announced the procurement of 70 new vehicles for Metro Police, adding that some members will be on horseback to quickly get into the areas where vehicles would not get to.
To enhance police work during this time, the City has recently moved the manning of CCTV cameras from disaster management to Metro Police. With this, the mayor said police will be able to immediately spot criminals committing crimes and act accordingly.
He also announced the City’s readiness to welcome 1.3 million visitors to our shores which he said would have a direct spend of more than R2.5 billion with a R6.3 billion injection to the gross domestic product.
To ensure the City’s cleanliness and less mugging of tourists by vagrants, the mayor announced that vagrants would be housed in the three shelters the City has provided.
In addition, the mayor announced the employment of 540 seasonal workers who will help with the cleaning, assisting in swimming pools, and as beach guides.
The City has also prepared 2 000 armbands for kids which will be used to identify and reunite them with their parents, should they go missing as well as overnight accommodation for missing children.
For traffic control, certain roads will be closed especially those leading to the beaches, and more roadblocks will be conducted. He issued a stern warning to those who will be drinking and driving, saying the safety plan included the National Prosecuting Authority which stands ready to prosecute and expedite cases that will be opened during the festive season.
On the safety of tourists from E.coli-infested waters, the mayor said 21 of 23 bathing areas were declared E.coli free and safe for use, adding that beaches will be tested more regularly as opposed to testing them weekly.
To ensure maximum entertainment for visitors and locals, the mayor also announced 15 signature events which will kick off from next week until the end of the festive season. He said the City has partnered with event organisers under the theme of ‘discovering Durban’ to have these events in all areas including townships and outlying areas under the municipality.
On the plan to revitalise the beach precinct and draw more visitors, the mayor said he has recently opened the Durban Beach Café lounge and plans were afoot to re-open the once attractive Joe Cools restaurant and bar on the beachfront.
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Daily News