The City of Cape Town’s Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate will commence with its annual earthworks to move accumulated sand at various dune projects in Table View, Hout Bay, Witsand, Monwabisi and Fleur Park next week.
The work will commence from Monday, 4 May, until the end of the month, if all goes as planned.
‘As is the case every year, we are about to attend to our coastal dune projects along the False Bay and Atlantic coast. Dunes are formed by wind and tidal processes which result in the accumulation of sand. The frontal nets at the toe of the dunes are used to trap wind-blown sand. These nets will be lifted, and the clean accumulated sand will be placed back into the sea below the low water mark. The purpose of the annual earthworks is to return windblown sand to the sea, and back into circulation. These works will be undertaken using an excavator and articulated tipper truck,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
The beaches where the work will take place will remain open to the public. However, residents and visitors should keep their dogs under control and keep clear of the earth moving equipment. The City thanks residents and visitors for their patience during the course of this work.
Dune systems also act as a reservoir of sand to replenish and maintain the integrity of the beach during and post erosion events.
‘Dune rehabilitation is the most cost-effective and pragmatic approach to protect and rehabilitate ecosystems and ecological infrastructure. When fully functional, these systems – in this case the dunes – help to create quality coastal spaces for all of us,’ said Alderman Andrews.
