Easter holidaymakers set to flock to Durban: Over 1.2 million expected
The city is expecting a boost in tourism over Easter.
Durban is gearing up for a major influx of visitors for the Easter long weekend.
More than 1.2 million visitors are expected, with a potential R2.6 billion injection into the local economy.
eThekwini Municipality says it is building on the success of last year's festive season.
The City says accommodation occupancy is expected to reach around 62%.
Water supply stabilises ahead of Easter weekend influx
Mayor Cyril Xaba believes there will be a steady supply of water, despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
"Inflows have returned to normal levels. Currently, inflows at the treatment works are at 625 megalitres per day with outflows at 580 megalitres per day.
“This means that most areas supplied by the Durban Heights Water treatment plant have fully recovered."
Increased police presence and roadblocks planned across eThekwini
Xaba says more than 1,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed across the metro.
"We have increased patrols on freeways to address j-walking by pedestrians, and there will be heightened enforcement on public transport.
“This will include working with the taxi industry to conduct safety bleeds at taxi ranks, to create road safety awareness among both drivers and passengers, particularly those travelling long distances."
Over 20 roadblocks and increased patrols to target drunk driving, unroadworthy vehicles, and crime hotspots.
Durban beaches open with lifeguards deployed for safety
Xaba says beachgoers can expect all 23 of Durban’s bathing beaches to be open.
"To ensure the safety of bathers, the municipality will deploy 200 lifeguards along the coastline from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. We urge beach goers to cooperate with lifeguards by swimming in designated areas and avoiding swimming under the influence of alcohol."
Beyond tourism, the municipality also announced progress in relocating flood victims, with more than 100 permanent homes in Cornubia set for completion by the end of next month.
The Border Management Authority says it will intensify the detection and processing of undocumented travellers at 71 ports of entry.
Commissioner Michael Masiapato says authorities will also strengthen access control and take firm action against corruption.
He says immigration requirements remain strict; all travellers must present a valid machine-readable passport with at least two blank pages.
“If you're a father, you are travelling with a child without the mother. The mother must be able to give an affidavit or a written statement to confirm that she is aware that you are exiting the country with her child. If you are a guardian, you should be able to present the written confirmation from both parents. We have an obligation to deal with child trafficking or any exiting of children out of the jurisdiction."
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