Race to reopen Diaz Beach before festive season

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - An urgent application seeking an interim interdict that would allow Mossel Bay Municipality to start stabilising Diaz Beach's dunes has been initiated.

This is according to the municipality's mayor, Dirk Kotzé, in response to Mossel Bay Advertiser's queries about the beach's closure and the fast-approaching holiday season.

A large section of the beach was closed to the public on 20 May following the severe rain, wind and ocean swells that led to major dune erosion and the partial collapse of some structures, including several sets of stairs that allowed the public access to the beach.

During the council meeting on 27 August, an urgent motion was made regarding the municipality's applications to install geotextile sandbags at the toe of the dunes to stabilise them, which had twice been denied by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP).

One of the partially collapsed access stairs. Photo: Supplied

In his response to the Advertiser, Kotzé said, however, that the municipality is taking the necessary steps to safely open the beach, including the court application, an appeal to DEADP for consideration and a letter sent to the department, indemnifying the municipality from any inaction, failure, omission or refusal of the DEADP's, as well as any claims of loss of life resulting from the DEADP's actions.

"I also personally spoke with Western Cape Premier Alan Winde to ensure that our appeal and concerns are speedily addressed," the mayor said.

He added that the municipality is working towards repairing the three sets of municipal stairway infrastructure in preparation for the festive season and that, at this stage, no major complaints or cancellations have been received from businesses, events or tourists.

Read the mayor’s full statement here.

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