Date: 2023-01-19 11:15:41
Public urged to put safety first as new year’s eve approaches
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 DECEMBER 2022
PUBLIC URGED TO PUT SAFETY FIRST AS NEW YEAR’S EVE APPROACHES
As we will be ushering in the New Year tomorrow, Acting eThekwini Mayor Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala has urged the public to adhere to the City’s by-laws and to follow guidance from law enforcement officers and lifeguards. This will help to ensure a safe and memorable crossover to 2023 for all.
Though measures are in place to ensure that Durbanites and visitors are safe during this period, Madlala has appealed to the public to be extra vigilant and to conduct themselves responsibly this coming long weekend.
“We have teams in place that are working day and night to ensure the safety of our visitors and residents. We urge the public to continue working with our law enforcement officers to ensure their safety and that their stay in Durban is enjoyable,” said Madlala.
The City is abuzz with an influx of visitors who have descended on Durban to celebrate the New Year in style. “We have an exciting line-up of events and activities scheduled to take place at our numerous attractions. These include a PSL soccer match between Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows, a rugby match between the Sharks and the Bulls, music festivals, and many more,” he said.
The Stadium Precinct is expected to be particularly busy. In addition to the two matches there is also the popular Fact Durban Rocks festival at People’s Park. There will be no road closures around the precinct but there will be controlled access. Public parking will be available at People’s Park East at a fee of R50 for normal vehicles and R100 for taxis. VIP parking will be available in the stadium bowl. VIPs will be expected to produce VIP parking tickets. Firearms, sharp metal objects, explosives, animals, glass and bottles are prohibited. Cooler boxes will only be allowed from 6pm – 8pm at R150.
Law enforcement and lifeguards will be out in full force to ensure a safe and incident free New Year celebrations.
The Municipality would also like to remind residents to use fireworks responsibly and be considerate of neighbours and animals. City by-laws allow for fireworks to be set off from 11h45pm on December 31 until 00h15am in the New Year. Low-hazard fireworks such as fountains, lawn lights and sparkles can be lit in private homes. Fireworks such as air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles and screeches are prohibited as they cause a disturbance and are a nuisance to neighbours.
Children under 16 years of age should be properly supervised by an adult when letting off fireworks. Fireworks should be set off away from hospitals, clinics, old age/nursing homes, animal welfare and petrol stations. The public is cautioned against pointing firecrackers towards any person as this poses a danger to the public.
Residents are also reminded that fireworks cannot be recycled and therefore they need to be disposed of appropriately, in the black bin bags.
In case of emergency, the public is urged to contact the eThekwini Fire and Emergency Unit and Metro Police on 031 361 0000. SPCA can be reached on 031 579 6500.
Swimming at non-bathing beaches, swimming at night and swimming under the influence of alcohol is prohibited. The public is encouraged to swim at designated beaches where it is safe and under the watch of lifeguards.
Childminders and beach buddies are situated at various beaches alongside tents in order to care for children who have separated from their parents/guardians. Parents are encouraged to look after their children and to ensure that children are tagged with wristbands that contain parents/guardians’ contact details in case they are separated while at the beach.
To ensure a clean City, the Municipality has provided bins where people can dispose of litter. The public is encouraged to dispose of waste in the bins provided along the beachfront.
For incidents that require medical attention at the beach, ambulance services are on standby from 6am to 6pm daily to provide medical services to the public.
“We wish our residents and visitors a safe and prosperous New Year,” concluded Madlala
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact Municipality’s Spokesperson.
