MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The developers of a site at Menkenkop in the Hartenbos Heuwels area, where a gabion retaining wall partially collapsed earlier today, 6 May, following the heavy rain in Mossel Bay, have said there is no immediate risk to public safety or the surrounding properties.
JGW Ontwikkelaars said in a statement this afternoon that its consulting engineers have done a site inspection and assessed that the failure of the wall has been localised to a specific section and does not indicate a risk of progressive collapse.
“The incident occurred during an active construction phase and coincided with exceptional rainfall conditions, which resulted in temporarily uncontrolled and concentrated stormwater flow,” said the statement.
“These conditions contributed to localised structural failure. Importantly, the underlying natural ground profile remains stable, and no evacuation or emergency measures are required at this stage.”
JGW said as a precautionary measure, the affected area has been secured and access is restricted to authorised personnel only. The site is under continuous professional monitoring by the appointed engineers and project team.
“Temporary stormwater control measures have been implemented to stabilise conditions until permanent solutions are constructed. A detailed engineering review is under way, and permanent remedial works will be implemented in accordance with approved design and safety standards once weather conditions permit.”
In an engineering assessment letter JGW Ontwikkelaars sent to Mossel Bay Advertiser, it further stated that at the time of the partial collapse, permanent stormwater control measures - including catch drains and intermediate diversion channels between the stepped gabion walls - had not yet been constructed, thus allowing uncontrolled run-off to accumulate and discharge directly onto the structure.
In addition to this, some run-off had originated from adjacent properties that was channeled toward a localised section of the wall.
Sandbags are to be strategically placed at critical discharge points to dissipate flow energy and limit further scour, and the site is subject to daily inspection.
“Any observed changes or progressive failures will be immediately communicated to both the contractor and V3 Consulting Engineers, acting on behalf of Mossel Bay Municipality,” stated the letter.
“We urge members of the public and media to refrain from speculation or dissemination of unverified information, as this may cause unnecessary concern. All findings and updates will be communicated through the appropriate official channels as verified information becomes available.
“The safety of the public remains the highest priority, and all actions taken on site are guided by established engineering best practices and regulatory requirements,” it said.
A media query has been sent to the Mossel Bay Municipality. Its response will be added to this article as soon as it has been received.
Click here to see the video of the partial collapse.
See the full statement from JGW below:
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