Diaz Beach: Stabilisation efforts under way

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Engineers currently placing geotextile sandbags at the toe of Diaz Beach's eroding dune could possibly issue an evacuation notice for beach property owners if they determine that such action is necessary.

This is according to a public notice the Mossel Bay Municipality issued on 24 September, reminding the public of the beach's closure until further notice.

The municipality stated that a geotechnical assessment it had commissioned found that sections of the existing dune slope are "unstable and susceptible to further localised erosion due to the observed slope geometry and ground conditions".

To address these risks, repair and stabilisation works are currently under way at Diaz Beach.

"As a result, the affected area is now an active construction site operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week," reads the notice.

"The presence of construction activities, heavy machinery, unstable ground conditions and exposed infrastructure poses significant risks to public safety."

Earlier this month, the High Court of South Africa granted the municipality approval to place geotextile sandbags on the beach as an interim emergency measure to stabilise the dune and reduce the immediate risk of further collapse.

Construction work is under way at the toe of the eroding dune on Diaz Beach. Photo: Gabriélla Siebritz

The dune began eroding after severe weather had hit Mossel Bay in May, including high seas and strong storms, which led to the beach's closure.

Mossel Bay Advertiser previously reported that while the sandbags are a temporary measure, a longer-term solution for Diaz Beach is in the works through the appropriate environmental channels.

The municipality continues to monitor the dune's conditions and strongly advises the public not to enter the closed beach area under any circumstances.

Diaz Beach will remain closed until the engineers and the relevant authorities are satisfied that the area is safe for public access.

The geotextile sandbags are being placed on Diaz Beach. Photos: Gabriélla Siebritz