uShaka Marine World, has announced the temporary closure of its Wet ’n Wild water park until further notice.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo
One of Durban's main attractions, uShaka Marine World, has announced the temporary closure of its Wet ’n Wild water park until further notice.
The news was confirmed by the theme park via social media on Thursday, which said that combo tickets and the Kids World Splish Splash Sprinkler Island would also be unavailable.
"Please be advised that uShaka Marine World's Wet ’n Wild is temporarily closed until further notice. Due to this closure, Combo Tickets and uShaka Kids World Splish Splash Sprinkler Island will not be available," the park said.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding. Further updates will be communicated in due course".
The park did not specify the reason for the closure.uShaka Marine World was officially launched in 2004 along Durban’s beachfront and has since become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
However, over the years, it has faced financial and operational challenges, including rising costs for electricity, water, and maintenance of its large aquarium tanks.
Last year, the eThekwini Municipality approved a R14 million cash injection to help the park stay afloat during quieter periods.IOL previously reported that, according to the municipality, the cashflow challenges are attributed to the current business model as well as institutional arrangements.
Thembo Ntuli, ANC councillor and Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, previously warned that without strategic support, the park could be forced to scale down or suspend operations.
"Without this funding, the park may be forced to scale down or suspend operations, putting jobs, tourism revenue and city reputation at risk. Let us remember, uShaka Marine World is more than a theme park. It is a tourism magnet and a source of pride for eThekwini," Ntuli said last year.
IOL BUSINESS