No way! We want it to stay!

Residents of Ballito have reacted with shock and disbelief to the news that a portion of the promenade must be removed within the next two weeks.

Restaurant owners from Al Pescatore and Gianni’s say the removal will spell disaster for the area.

Al Pescatore’s Trevor Wolf said the idea of removing the promenade was ridiculous and that the beachfront and the promenade was the most important part of the town.

“The opportunity to meander along the promenade is what brings people to the area. There are so many people in this town who rely on tourism and without it the local economy will die,” he said.

Gianni’s owner John Coburn said it was a very sad day for Ballito as the promenade has brought Ballito to life.

Ward 6 councillor Colin Marsh described the Dolphin Cove residents as selfish and said it was a huge pity that a compromise could not be reached as the promenade was important for the greater good of the community.

Barbara Shingler, owner of property management firm Ballito Estates, said she was saddened by the judgement and that she wished the parties could have reached an amicable solution.

“There is no doubt that the promenade has great value for the community as it brings in the tourism rand. However, I can understand that people’s privacy has been seriously affected and that their units have been devalued.”

Dolphin Coast Conservancy chairperson Di Jones said that the judgement amounted to an absolute disaster.

“For the good of the public they really should reconsider, they are causing the whole community to suffer. Residents are not going to be able to run or push prams on a continuous promenade anymore. I cannot imagine that the residents would actually go ahead with this.”

Ilembe chamber of commerce, trade and industry CEO Trenley Tilbrook said the idea of losing a part of the promenade was unacceptable and that they would engage with the municipality, tourism bodies and government as a matter of urgency.

“The promenade must stay – it is in the best interests of tourism,” he said.

Peter Hood and his wife were dismayed and could not believe that something like this could happen as they use the walkway often.

“Hundreds of people use this facility for training and for recreation,” said Hood.

He went on to say that if Dolphin Cove is responsible for a section of the promenade being taken, then they should contribute to a new boardwalk.

“If there is a problem of privacy, there must be a solution to ensure the privacy of residents with the construction of walls,” said Hood.

Michel Desmarais, a runner who has been using the promenade for his evening jogs since it was built in 2007 said that everybody uses the walkway and that he comes from Chaka’s Rock just to run along the promenade.

Cara Brent, who often walks with her family on the promenade, said it was terrible news as the promenade is what makes Ballito so special.

Shirley van Rensburg was shocked to hear the news.

“This is an integral part of Ballito. It’s just for the small minority that the majority of us have to give it up,” said van Rensburg.