The uMhlathuze Municipality have already commenced a general upgrade of recreational facilities at Alkantstrand

Ronelle Ramsamy

EXCITEMENT is mounting as the development and landscaping of beaches in Richards Bay gains momentum in an effort make the local beaches a more user-friendly environment for beachgoers.
With visible tree clearing operations taking place at Alkantstrand this week, the Department of Parks, Sport and Recreation in the City of uMhlathuze hope to complete the short-term aspects by the middle of November, just in time for this year’s beach festivities.

Proposal development includes the relocation of the parking lot closer to the beach area, proper infrastructure to accommodate disabled persons and the upgrade of recreational infrastructure at the beach area.

In addition, the Department will install proper lighting, erect walkways and boardwalks and improve paving around shelters and braai areas.
According to Director of Parks, Sport and Recreation in the City of uMhlathuze, Ernst van Biljon, they will improve visibility and lighting from the beach onto the recreational areas and rehabilitate drift sand areas.

‘We will also remove the Casuarinas on the northern side of the entrance to the beach offices and create additional visual parking for vehicles along the side.
‘We will improve the access to the gravel parking areas and northern pier entrance and provide more permanent surfaces,’ said van Biljon.

In addition, the existing water slide will be removed to create a secure parking facility for users.
There are also plans to extend CCTV-cameras to cover parking and recreational areas and to upgrade ablution facilities.

Medium to long-term aspects include the development of a restaurant area and the landscaping of the Newark Beach recreational area.
‘We need to upgrade the facilities to make the beach areas more environmentally friendly, attractive and accessible to disabled people.
‘The general appearance will be improved to market our beach and attract more people to make use of the recreational facilities available,’ said van Biljon.

Source: Zululand Observer

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