Red flag for blue flag beach status

THE uncontrollable forces of nature have once again battered the fragile Zululand coastline.

In the past week alone seven metres of the sand barrier at Alkanstrand have been eroded.

In light of the impending holiday season, the unrelenting tidal surges are a growing concern for the local tourism industry, including the newly formed uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation.

With Zululand being punted as a summer destination all-year-round, the only blue flag beach north of the Tugela River is at risk of further erosion.

While global warming and rising seas have been blamed for the relentless advance of the ocean not only in Zululand, but also along the Durban and the South Coast coastlines, one cannot help wonder whether more proactive actions could have been taken to mitigate the outcome.

The Zululand Observer has during the past two decades documented the effects of the receding coastline and alarm bells were rung a long time ago.

The beach needs a rapid sand replenishment from the dredger pipeline and authorities say a gabion wall must be built to absorb the power of the waves.

But the pumping of sand reportedly ceased in May after the oil spillage in Richards Bay and the shoreline has paid the price for this oversight.

Grasnted, the dredging issue is but a short-term solution, but at this point it is a necessity to prevent further damage.

Another urgent measure is the major clean-up that is needed ahead of the influx of bathers during the festive season.

The tidal surge caused much havoc in its wake, removing fencing and resulting in all kinds of debris being dumped on the shoreline..

This has proved perilous for brave surfers, and bathers have now been redirected to Newark Beach in the interim.

While the City of uMhlathuze has retained its blue flag status, it has been requested to take down its flag in the interim.

The elaborate plans for the expansion and upgrade of the Alkantstrand Beach Precinct also seem to have come to a halt.

Expanding the usable area of Alkantstrand to 90 000m², City Development had planned on incorporating 14 000m² (next to the restaurant/dune areas) into the precinct. This would include Newark Beach spanning another 50 000m².

But this master plan will not materialise unless an emergency intervention strategy for Alkantstrand now kicks into gear.