Work is started this week on the City of Cape Town’s annual project to move accumulated sand at various dune projects at City beaches. PICTURE: PIXABAY
The City of Cape Town is preparing for its annual earth works to move accumulated sand at the various dune projects at Table View, Hout Bay and Fleur Park.
According to the City, the work is planned for a 30-day period starting on Tuesday April 16 at Fleur Park, then Hout Bay and ending at Table View by mid-May this year, if all goes as planned.
“It is that time of the year again when the City attends to its coastal dune projects. Dunes are formed by aeolian 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 will be lifted and the clean accumulated sand will be placed back into the sea below the low water mark.
“In so doing we are returning the sand to the sea, and placing it 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 beach will not be closed during this time. However, residents and visitors are asked by the City to keep their dogs under control and keep clear of the earth moving equipment.
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.