INLSA
FILE PICTURE
Eighteen months. That’s how long the Durban metro police have had to plan to close streets for a sporting event.
But they messed up, and admitted so yesterday when about 70 para-cyclists in the Nedbank National Championships for the Physically Disabled, had to wait nearly two hours for their race to start.
The metro police had simply not closed off the roads in time for the race’s start – because of a communication breakdown.
“Our operational plans were submitted months ago with great detail and everything was approved,” Amashovashova director Annie Batchelder said.
“We were here from 6am and the roads were meant to be closed from 8.30am but that did not happen. Nobody seems to take responsibility for the delay. It is an embarrassment for the city,” she said.
Para-cyclist Oswald Kydd said participants had prepared themselves mentally and physically to start at a certain time.
“We had to sit around in the sun for two hours after we had warmed up and it had a negative impact on performances. Some athletes have cerebral palsy, a disorder which effects motor functions, and the more dehydrated they get, the more their movements are affected. Since it is so hot they ended up using more energy trying to stay cool.”
Disappointment
Nedbank National Championships for the Physically Disabled local organising committee chairman Braam Mouton also expressed his disappointment.
Metro police Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi said the roads were supposed to have been closed at 8.30am for a 9.30am race start.
He said a few roads had to be closed around King’s park swimming pool, including Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Battery Beach Road, Snell parade, Athlone Drive and Smiso Nkwanyana Road.
“There was a communication breakdown between the special events section and the beachfront office which was supposed to effect the closure,” Msomi said.
This had been caused by a technical problem with e-mail, resulting in the beach office getting the plan late, he said. From now on hard copies would be hand-delivered.
“We acknowledge our error and we take full responsibility for the delay caused.
“I have also, on behalf this department, spoken to the organiser and expressed our sincere regret and apology,” he said.
l The qualifying squad heading to London for the Paralympics later this year was expected to be announced at a special ceremony at the Durban city hall today
The country’s top para-cyclists, including world champion hand cyclist Ernst van Dyk and world sportsperson of the year with a disability, “Blade Runner” Oscar Pistorius, are taking part. Picture8P3
