Good news for Durbanites as municipality reverses promenade closure

The well-known Durban Promenade, which was set to be closed to walkers, joggers and cyclists during the early days of our more relaxed Level 4 lockdown regulations, is now going to be open to the public.

After a confusing morning on Saturday 2 May, during which the eThekwini municipality made an early announcement that the promenade would be closed to the public, another statement a few hours later said the popular landmark would be open from Sunday.

“We are not going to take any chances,” municipal spokesperson Mandla Nsele said during the first announcement. “Everyone needs to be mindful of the fact that the city is the epicentre of this pandemic. We are going to embark on a deep-cleaning and sanitising operation of the entire facility before we open it to the public.”

Concerns that similar scenes to Cape Town would play out?

There was speculation that eThekwini’s stance over Durban’s promenade may have been at least partially influenced by the scenes that played out in Cape Town on 1 May, when the lockdown was eased. Thousands of people made their way to promenades in Sea Point, Blouberg and various other beachside suburbs to enjoy their first day of Level 4 ‘freedom’.

The huge numbers fuelled concerns that social distancing would be impossible and create an unintended increase in infections.

Thoroughly sanitised and then open for Sunday’s ‘rush hour’

In the municipality’s subsequent statement, it said the promenade and surrounds would be thoroughly sanitised and opened on Sunday 3 May, in time for the 6am-9am exercise rush hour.

“The eThekwini Municipality has from today (Saturday) begun the process of sanitising and disinfecting the entire facility to ensure public safety. The promenade will be opened for public use tomorrow (Sunday) under very strict conditions, while other public spaces, including ablution facilities, remain closed until further notice,” the statement said.