NATIONAL NEWS - A man was seriously injured when he fell from the Ballito promenade onto the rocks near Boulders beach in KZN on Saturday.
According to an article published by North Coast Courier, the man suffered serious head injuries and was treated by IPSS Search and Rescue before being taken to Alberlito Hospital.
IPSS’s Tereza van den Berg says the man was bleeding heavily from his head after falling about two metres onto the rocks.
Members of the public who witnessed the incident said the man was walking with friends when he stopped to view the ocean. When he leaned on the railing, it gave way and he fell.
Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) head of precinct marketing and communications, Jade Harding, says UIP staff regularly assess the condition of public infrastructure, including railings on the boardwalk as part of their ongoing maintenance, but that coastal weather wreaked havoc on beach infrastructure.
“Due to exposure to sea air and weather conditions, deterioration can sometimes occur faster than usual. The area has been cordoned off with danger tape and the Ballito UIP team will be conducting a temporary repair while further assessments are carried out by KwaDukuza municipality.”
The broken railing where a man was injured after falling onto the rocks on Saturday.
KDM spokesperson Sifiso Zulu says they inspected the entire Ballito promenade as part of the quarterly inspections on February 12 and found some safety issues.
“There were areas of serious concern when it comes to public safety. We are currently revising the inspection report with the intention of providing an action plan to mitigate the identified dangers. The areas concerned will be attended to as a temporary solution to ensure public safety.”
DA ward 6 councillor Ayabonga Zwane emphasised the importance of maintaining beach infrastructure.
“Our beach amenities and infrastructure along the coast drives the local economy,” he says. “I will ensure those responsible for the maintenance attend to this problem swiftly to prevent further incidents.”
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
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