Durban – The eThekwini Municipality on Thursday said it was ready to host more than 1.4 million tourists during the festive season.
Municipal spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said in a statement that 90 000 wristbands had been procured for the high number of visitors to the beaches.
"All children on the beachfront will be required to wear a wristband which contains the details of their guardians."
Mthethwa said in the event that a child was separated from their guardian, 40 childminders had been employed to look after them until they were reunited.
"Around 72 beach buddies will be situated across the various beaches and will be on hand to offer assistance to visitors.
"An additional 113 seasonal lifeguards have also been deployed at various beaches. All bathing beaches will be operational between 06:00am and 06:00pm on a daily basis."
Mthethwa said the Durban's Solid Waste (DSW) Unit had appointed 95 additional litter pickers. An extra 1 362 litter bins had been placed along the beachfront.
"Law Enforcement Officers will also be out in full force. Metro Police Officers, South African Police, security personnel and Beach Law Enforcement Officers will conduct regular patrols around the city, including on the beaches," she said.
To control traffic on the beachfront, Mthethwa said certain roads leading into the area would be closed, while others would be boom-gate controlled.
"Hotels are expecting 80% room occupancy. The projected direct economic spend for the festive season is approximately R3.1bn, which will result in a Gross Domestic contribution to the City of approximately R5.2bn."
eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo urged visitors to take advantage of the city’s scenic views, as well as its world-class recreational facilities and entertainment. He cautioned, however, that they should do so responsibly.