Durban may apply for Blue Flag status for its beaches again in the near future, Durban’s Municipal Manager, Sibusiso Sithole announced at the opening of the new Durban Tourism offices at the end of January.
The applications could take some time, however, as Sithole told TUO: “The Municipality has not taken any decision regarding the Blue Flag status for our beaches. As administration we still have to consider the issue of generating a report for the matter to be discussed by relevant committees and eventually for council to take a decision.”
Sithole said he was considering re-applying because most beaches in SA were being evaluated using the Blue Flag criteria and because the Provincial Government had made a call for most of the Province's beaches to have the Blue Flag status. “Generally Durban waters are safe because there are constant monitoring measures in place. However, the Blue Flag would be a symbol of excellence of our offering to local and foreign tourists which contributes to the branding of the city.”
Warren Ozzard, operation manager Fedhasa KZN, is excited about the prospect of having Blue Flags again. He said having beaches with Blue Flag status would boost tourism considerably as it was recognised throughout the world. “Even if a tourist can’t read English, he’ll understand the meaning of a Blue Flag. Having Blue Flag status again will give a great boost for marketing tourism to our province overseas.”
Durban used to have 10 beaches with Blue Flag status but the municipality withdrew from the programme in 2008 and decided to set up its own water quality signboards at the beaches.
Dorine Reinstein
