Interim solution for Diaz Beach a go

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The interim measures to stabilise the eroded dunes at Diaz Beach are expected to continue, following the Western Cape Government’s agreement.

Last week, Mossel Bay Advertiser reported that the Mossel Bay Municipality’s application to bolster the toe of the dunes with geotextile sandbags to stabilise them had twice been denied by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

The municipality then lodged an appeal, as well as an urgent application for an interim interdict.

The department’s spokesperson, Rudolf van Jaarsveldt, said in a statement released today, 8 September, that the government recognises the serious and ongoing risks posed by coastal erosion at Diaz Beach and the need to protect people, properties and public infrastructure in the affected area.

Van Jaarsveldt said the municipality’s proposed interim measure would also serve to reduce the immediate risk of further collapse, and prevent damage to or the collapse of properties and infrastructure onto the beach. He said it would also reduce the risk to those who access the area.

“The Mossel Bay Municipality and the Western Cape Government are in agreement that a permanent solution for improved coastal management at Diaz Beach needs to be implemented. The basic assessment process currently under way will inform the appropriate long-term solution,” said Van Jaarsveldt.

He added that it was also important to note that the sandbags were not the permanent solution, as coastal protection measures can affect the natural movement of sand between the dune, beach and nearshore environment. He said if a permanent solution is not appropriately designed and managed, it can further contribute to erosion, beach narrowing and the loss of the beach as a public amenity.

Van Jaarsveldt said upon receiving additional information not previously submitted to the department, as well as the court papers the municipality had lodged, Minister Anton Bredell and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning have decided to abide by the court’s decision, which, if granted, would allow sandbags to be installed as an urgent temporary measure.

“The permanent solution will be determined through the basic assessment process in the coming months and could include the removal of the sandbags. Options such as sand replenishment may also be considered in determining the best practicable environmental option,“ said Van Jaarsveldt.

“The Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality will continue to work together on both the immediate measures required to manage the current risk and the long-term measures needed to improve coastal management at Diaz Beach.”

Meanwhile, the municipality issued its own statement today reiterating that the beach remains closed for safety reasons.

“A geotechnical assessment commissioned by Mossel Bay Municipality 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,” it said.

The municipality has thus urgently instructed everyone not to enter the closed beach area, to keep away from the unstable dune slope and to avoid exposed infrastructure along the beach dune.

“A possible evacuation order may be issued should the appointed engineers determine that this is necessary,” said the municipality.

The municipality said it has engaged the affected property owners and continues to monitor the dune closely.

“Urgent measures are being pursued towards the safe reopening of Diaz Beach. The beach will remain closed until it is considered safe. The public’s co-operation is essential. Please do not bypass barriers or enter restricted areas,” it said.

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