Umhlanga is feeling the benefits of a carefully drawn up plan to ensure top notch security and a clean, tourist-friendly environment during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
There’ve been plenty of policemen and women on the beat – both SAPS officers and Metro Police members – and visitors have revelled in the safety and festive atmosphere. The required emergency services have also been on hand should they be needed.
The plan was driven and implemented by the Festival Management Committee, a municipal driven operational committee tasked with improving service delivery by:
• Resolving operational challenges
• Improving integration of municipal departments to optimise efficiencies and effectiveness
• Integration of municipal and privately funded supplementary services
• Providing a reporting mechanism for service delivery requests
Those involved included SAPS, Metro Police, municipal line departments, the Umhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct and members of various community organisations.
Issues attended to included police and security co-ordination; ensuring the required medical services were available; development of a standard procedure for medical emergencies; water safety and the deployment of lifeguards; deployment of beach and promenade cleaning staff; street cleaning; provision of adequate toilet facilities; ensuring adequate provision of taxi services; parking and car guards; marketing and communications.
Restaurateur Luis Farinha-Ferreira said he was blown away by the vibe and the support of international tourists, particularly Brazilians, who’d been flocking to his restaurant Verde. “Umhlanga is looking absolutely great, this area is a real gem,” he said. “We’ve had lots of visitors, particularly Brazilians, and many of them say they will definitely be back. The Brazilians are top level people who order fine wines and really go all the way to have a good time.”
While locals and members of neighbouring communities have revelled in the festive and super friendly atmosphere, plenty of Germans and Australians, among others, have enjoyed their stay in the area, frequenting the many cafes and restaurants in Chartwell Drive, Lighthouse Road, Ridge Road etc and making use of hotels and B&Bs.