Enhance Safety, Prohibit Unsafe Activities, and Enforce Public Drinking Laws at Pelican Island, Richards Bay. Ban Unsafe Activities and Enforce Public Drinking Laws!

To:
The uMhlathuze Municipality
Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

Request for Improved Regulation and Safety Measures at Pelican Island

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Richards Bay, respectfully submit this petition to address safety, environmental, and legal concerns at Pelican Island.

Pelican Island is a popular recreational destination for the community it is a beloved spot for families, locals, and tourists. However, its safety and environmental integrity are under threat due to unsafe activities, reckless driving, and the widespread consumption of alcohol in public spaces, which is against the law.

Over the years, we have witnessed tragic drownings, environmental damage, and increased disorder that endanger the lives of visitors and harm the natural beauty of this area.

As concerned residents, we are calling on the uMhlathuze Municipality to take immediate action to:

Restrict vehicle access. 
Enforce public drinking laws to prevent disorderly behavior.
Install signage and deploy regular law enforcement patrols.

Designate Pelican Island as a protected zone to preserve its environment.

By signing this petition, you join us in advocating for a safer, family-friendly, and sustainable Pelican Island. Let's work together to protect our community and this cherished location.

However, a rise in unsafe activities—including drownings, reckless driving on the beach, and public drinking—has put lives at risk and undermined the area’s appeal as a safe, family-friendly space.

Our Concerns:
Safety Hazards: Numerous drownings and unsafe behaviors have caused significant concern among residents.
Reckless Driving: Vehicles on the beach endanger bathers and damage the coastal environment.
Public Drinking: The consumption of alcohol in public areas, despite being prohibited, is common and contributes to unruly behavior and littering.
Environmental Degradation: Ongoing vehicle use and improper waste disposal harm the island's delicate ecosystem.

We urge the uMhlathuze Municipality to take the following actions:

Prohibit vehicle access to the beach and install barriers to prevent unauthorized entry.
Enforce existing laws prohibiting public drinking and increase law enforcement patrols.
Install clear signage to inform visitors of the restrictions and penalties for violations.
Preserve the environment by designating Pelican Island as a protected area with regulated access.