THE City of uMhlathuze is considering crucial and costly steps to mitigate against the rapidly eroding beach barrier at Alkantstrand.
The matter was raised by Cllr Manie Lourens at Tuesday’s sitting of the Executive Council, where he called for ‘an urgent plan’ ahead of the December influx of holiday-makers.
The steady depletion of sand and destruction of the coast’s dune barrier has been highlighted over a number of years by the Zululand Observer.
The newspaper has shared photos and information with scientists associated with the University of KwaZulu-Natal who are studying the same phenomena at beaches throughout the province.
Information on measures taken to resolve the problem at beaches such as Amanzimtoti has in turn been passed on to City authorities for possible replication at Alkantstrand.
Scientists Alan Smith and Lisa Guastella have been at the forefront of the research and recommend that rocks and ‘geofabric bags’ be used to build a defensive wall to hinder the advance of the ocean.
While it will cost millions of rands to implement such measures, the City does not have many options and could call on the provincial government to assist.
Erecting a pier or groyne just north of Alkantstrand is not seen as a viable long-term measure.
Replenishment of sand through dredger pumping is due to recommence next week after being stopped in May following an oil spill in the harbour.
