The Democratic Alliance in eThekwini is delighted that the ruling party has come to its senses and that the city is reapplying for 6 more Blue Flag beaches. This will take our total up to 11, more than doubling our present number.
The 6 new Pilot Blue Flag beaches are Umdloti main, Umhlanga main, South Beach, North Beach, Vetchies and Anstey’s.
Presently the municipality has 2 Full Blue Flag beaches at uShaka and Westbrook Beach, and 3 existing Pilot Blue Flag beaches at Brighton, Amanzimtoti and Umgababa.
At last eThekwini is realising that the Blue Flag scheme is a wonderful marketing tool. Beachgoers arrive at one of these beaches, see the Blue Flag flying and know that 33 criteria have been complied with. These cover four main areas being Water Quality, Environmental Information and Education programmes, Environmental Management and Safety & Services.
One of the advantages that our province has over the other 2 coastal provinces is our warm seawater. People can swim all year round at our beaches. This is why eThekwini should be concentrating on improving our beaches.
The approval of the Blue Flag application at the city council on 27 June 2019 was fully supported by all parties. Whilst the authorities are trying to clean up the mess at DSW and the involvement of our Mayor, it is pleasing to note that our Beaches Department is quietly bringing the city back into the fold.
DA councillors have been at the forefront of the support for the Blue Flag programme at our beaches, as we understand the economic benefits to local and provincial tourism.