MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Municipality alerted residents and visitors to significant storm-related damage and hazardous debris currently present along sections of the coastline, particularly at Diaz Beach, following the severe weather events experienced over the past two weeks.
“The combination of damaging winds, high wave activity and storm surge conditions has resulted in structural damage to beachfront infrastructure, large volumes of debris being deposited along the shoreline, unsafe access conditions in certain areas.”
The municipality said it has closed three beach access points located on municipal-owned infrastructure at Diaz Beach in the interest of public safety.
“These access points are municipal assets, and the municipality has the authority to restrict access where public safety is at risk. It must be noted that the municipality cannot close or intervene on private property, and can only take action on public land and municipal infrastructure.”
It further said it was aware of notable infrastructure damage at Diaz Beach, including collapsed fencing and exposed and displaced structures. In addition, hazardous debris currently present includes wooden poles, metal fragments, palisade fencing, wire and other sharp materials. Of particular concern is that some debris is buried beneath the sand, making it difficult to see and increasing the risk of injury.
Municipal teams remain in the field, continuing clean-up and recovery operations across affected areas.
According to the municipality overtime work is underway this weekend to address multiple weather-related incidents.
“Teams will be deployed to remove hazardous (unnatural) debris and assess and secure affected municipal infrastructure.”
For their safety, the municipality strongly urged residents and visitors to avoid using unsafe or damaged beach access points, refrain from visiting Diaz Beach at this time, exercise extreme caution if in nearby coastal areas and avoid areas where municipal teams are working.
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