By Nangamso Mabindla
14 December 2006

IT is that time of the year again when fun-loving people from all over the country flock to Buffalo City's beaches for the festive season, to enjoy themselves. In response, the City's public safety department will be out in full force, making safety and security a City priority.

A joint operation control centre (JAC) will be established at the Osner Hotel, which will be manned from 29 December to 3 January 2007. This centre will comprise of Buffalo City law enforcement, the South African Police Service and the disaster management unit, among others.

In previous years the hotspots for New Year's revellers have been the ever-popular Eastern Beach and Marina Glen on the East London Esplanade. Buffalo City municipal manager, Gaster Sharpley, said that closing certain roads leading to these hotspots would be beneficial to residents.

"The road closures will ensure that there will be smooth access for residents, businesses and accommodation establishments, minimal congestion in affected areas and easy maintenance of traffic free zones," said Sharpley, adding that there would also be unhindered access for emergency vehicles.

The areas to be closed include Quigney, Eastern Beach, Tram Track Road; Leaches Bay, Fullers Bay; Bonza Bay, Quinera; Kidd's Beach; Kwelerha Mouth; and Kaiser's Beach.

In the Quigney, Marina Glen area only residents, their visitors, businesses and people staying at accommodation in the suburb will be permitted into the area. Coca-Cola sponsored permits will be issued to these people. For control purposes, no vehicles belonging to beach-goers or day visitors will be allowed into the cordoned-off area.

However, parking will be available at the following areas: Marina Glen; old caravan park (East End Cemetery); old caravan park (cricket grounds); public open space bordered by Tennyson, Rhodes, Longfellow and Fitzpatrick streets; public open space at intersection of Fitzpatrick Road and Tutton Terrace; and Orient Theatre parking.

Drop off and pick up zones for taxis and buses will be provided in Buffalo Park Drive and at the western end of the Esplanade.

Road and street closures are as follows:

Streets that will be closed to the public on the morning of 31 December and re-opened on 2 or 3 January 2007, depending on circumstances, are:

1. Moore Street / Fitzpatrick Road
2. Tennyson Street / Fitzpatrick Road
3. Longfellow Street / Fitzpatrick Road
4. Caxton Street / Fitzpatrick Road
5. Angle Street / Fitzpatrick Road
6. Fleet Street / Fitzpatrick Road
7. Angle Street / Seaview Terrace
8. Aquarium Road / Inverleith Terrace
9. Aquarium Road / Cadwallan Road
10. Esplanade / Inverleith Terrace
11. John Bailie Road / Moore Street
12. Buffalo Park Drive / John Bailie Road
13. John Bailie Road / Mc Janet Drive
14. Goldschmidt Street /Tutton Terrace

Roads will be closed at the intersection with Coad Road Bonza Bay and Nyala Roads.

Roads will be closed at the intersection with Gonubie Main Road.

Main Road will be closed at Community Hall.

Sharpley also encouraged people to drive safely and to ensure that their vehicles were in good condition. "The traffic department urges all our people when travelling long distances to adhere to the relevant speed limits … [and] always remember that speed limits are set for perfect conditions," he said. "People should remember to buckle up and drive to stay alive."

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