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Cape Town is preparing its popular coastline for the busy summer season with the launch of its annual beach lowering programme. Beginning Wednesday, 1 October, the City will start work at Fish Hoek, Muizenberg, Gordon’s Bay and Bikini Beach to reduce sand build-up and protect nearby infrastructure.
The initiative, described by officials as essential to maintaining the ‘highly altered coastal systems’ of False Bay, helps manage windblown sand that often affects roads and public spaces during the windy months (City of Cape Town).
Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s Deputy and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, explained the process: ‘The City uses manual and mechanical measures to undertake beach levelling by pushing the sand from the beach to the low water mark. Wave action then transports the sand back into the coastal system.’
By lowering beach sand levels, greater areas of shoreline are reached by high tides, reducing the risk of sand covering adjacent roads and facilities during Cape Town’s strong southeasterly winds.
‘We are aiming to complete the work ahead of the festive season. I want to ask beachgoers to keep a safe distance from the work areas and to also keep their pets on a leash,’ Andrews added.
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The City confirmed that the work will target specific sections of each beach:
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Fish Hoek: From Jager’s Walk (in front of the Galley Restaurant) to the lifesaving building
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Muizenberg: From Zandvlei River mouth to the wheelchair access ramp
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Gordon’s Bay: From the Spur restaurant to the end of the parking area in the north
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Bikini Beach: The entire stretch
Work is set to continue until mid-November, depending on conditions. While the beaches will remain open to the public, visitors are advised to keep clear of machinery for safety reasons.
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Picture: Getty Images
