Durban beaches closed to address sand shortage
eThekwini has closed portions of several city beaches to allow for sand pumping operations.
Portions of the North, Dairy, Country Club and Battery beaches were closed today.
Sand pumping operations will take place at these beaches for about four weeks.
Bathing and beach use will not be allowed in the closed off areas for the duration of the operation.
eThekwini's deputy head for Stormwater and Catchment Management, Randeer Kasserchun says sand from south of the harbour is dredged and transferred to central beaches through sand pumping operations.
NOW READ: WATCH: Massive waves, cyclonic weather conditions cause closure of Durban beach
He says the City prides itself on the maintenance of the beaches and it is important that they are nourished.
Kasserchun says there is a severe shortage of sand on the beaches that will be closed for replenishment.
"If sand is not pumped on the identified beaches, they may have to be closed for bathing as the safety of bathers will be at risk," he said.
Beach replenishment will be undertaken through an off-shore system.
Sand and water samples will be taken to test for water and sand quality. The emergency sand replenishment process is a joint operation between the municipality and Transnet and has been approved by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Bathers are being urged to be patient during the operation and comply with the restrictions that have been temporarily prescribed.
ALSO READ: Durban tidal waves: eThekwini, Cogta counting costs of damage
Durban's central beaches have grabbed headlines in recent weeks, with many beachgoers complaining about a lack of sand and the erosion of key infrastructure.
In some instances, electricity cables have been exposed and infrastructure undermined.
eThekwini said in a recent statement that climate change and the over-mining of sand were the causes of a lack of sand on the city's central beaches.
Sand pumping operations will take place at these beaches for about four weeks.
Bathing and beach use will not be allowed in the closed off areas for the duration of the operation.
eThekwini's deputy head for Stormwater and Catchment Management, Randeer Kasserchun says sand from south of the harbour is dredged and transferred to central beaches through sand pumping operations.
NOW READ: WATCH: Massive waves, cyclonic weather conditions cause closure of Durban beach
He says the City prides itself on the maintenance of the beaches and it is important that they are nourished.
Kasserchun says there is a severe shortage of sand on the beaches that will be closed for replenishment.
"If sand is not pumped on the identified beaches, they may have to be closed for bathing as the safety of bathers will be at risk," he said.
Beach replenishment will be undertaken through an off-shore system.
Sand and water samples will be taken to test for water and sand quality. The emergency sand replenishment process is a joint operation between the municipality and Transnet and has been approved by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Bathers are being urged to be patient during the operation and comply with the restrictions that have been temporarily prescribed.
ALSO READ: Durban tidal waves: eThekwini, Cogta counting costs of damage
Durban's central beaches have grabbed headlines in recent weeks, with many beachgoers complaining about a lack of sand and the erosion of key infrastructure.
In some instances, electricity cables have been exposed and infrastructure undermined.
eThekwini said in a recent statement that climate change and the over-mining of sand were the causes of a lack of sand on the city's central beaches.
Meanwhile, University of KwaZulu-Natal marine geologist, Professor Andrew Green says the erosion of beaches is a natural phenomenon, but the issue is compounded in Durban due to the heavily engineered nature of the promenade area.
Green believes implementing healthy dune systems along the affected beaches is one of the ways in which officials can look to reduce the impact of heavy seas and severe storms.
Green says short-term plans to remedy the situation could include dumping sediment on the beaches. He advised against hard-engineering solutions, saying sand bags can be used to help prevent the immediate undermining of infrastructure.
Long-term solutions would be to ensure the sand pumping programmes work effectively, irrespective of whether the sand is dredged from inside the harbour or south of the harbour where the sediment is trapped.
Commenting on the global nature of beach erosion, Green says Durban has one of the best promenade systems in the world.
Having visited many beaches internationally in a professional capacity, Green says the city does a good job in managing the area and there is no reason to panic, as long as successful short-term plans are implemented while long-term solutions are addressed.
Long-term solutions would be to ensure the sand pumping programmes work effectively, irrespective of whether the sand is dredged from inside the harbour or south of the harbour where the sediment is trapped.
Commenting on the global nature of beach erosion, Green says Durban has one of the best promenade systems in the world.
Having visited many beaches internationally in a professional capacity, Green says the city does a good job in managing the area and there is no reason to panic, as long as successful short-term plans are implemented while long-term solutions are addressed.