Beachfront facelift
on the go
Landscaping
and clearing of
trees has opened up
the area surrounding
Alkantstrand Beach
Tanya
Waterworth
THE upgrade and
development of
Alkantstrand Beach
in Richards Bay is
well underway.
While the area is a
hive of activity
with trees being
removed and the new
parking area taking
shape, Director of
Parks, Sport and
Recreation, City of
uMhlathuze - Ernst
van Biljon, said the
first phase should
be completed ahead
of the approaching
festive season.
‘We are on schedule
with phase one,
which includes
extension of the
parking areas,
grassing and paving
of the braai areas.
‘Weather permitting,
the majority of work
for this phase
should be done
before the holiday
season starts,’ said
van Biljon.
The development and
landscaping of the
main Richards Bay
beach is in line
with the City’s goal
to create a more
user-friendly
environment for
beachgoers,
including disabled
visitors. The
extended parking
area will be closer
to the beach,
facilitating easy
access to the pier
leading to the
dolphin viewing
platform.
The installation of
proper lighting,
improved walkways
and paving around
shelters and braai-areas
has been planned to
make the area more
attractive and
friendly for both
tourists and locals.
The old water-slide
has been removed, as
have a number of
Casuarina trees,
creating a more
spacious environment
and improving
security.
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 development and
landscaping of the
Newark recreational
area.
