Residents and visitors to Fleur Park in Gordon’s Bay may notice some activity on the dunes as the municipality has commenced its annual earthworks project to manage accumulated sand.
The work, which began on Monday 14 April, will see the relocation of wind-blown sand back into the sea.
The City of Cape Town’s annual initiative targets several coastal areas, with Fleur Park the first location to undergo the process. Following the completion of work in Gordon’s Bay, the earth moving will move to Hout Bay before concluding in Table View, contingent on the project progressing according to schedule.
The entire operation is expected to last until Monday 5 May.
Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, said the City will use an excavator and articulated tipper truck to carry out the sand relocation.
While the earthworks are underway, the beach at Fleur Park will remain open to the public.
However, the City urged residents and visitors to exercise caution by keeping their dogs under control and maintaining a safe distance from the operating machinery.
Andrews further highlighted the crucial role of dune systems in coastal management.
“Dune systems also act as a reservoir of sand to replenish and maintain the integrity of the beach during and post erosion events,” he explained.
“Dune rehabilitation is the most cost-effective and pragmatic approach to protecting and rehabilitating ecosystems and ecological infrastructure. When they are fully functional these systems – in this case the dunes – help to create quality coastal spaces for all of us.”
The City has expressed its gratitude to residents and visitors for their understanding and patience, as this essential work is carried out to ensure the long-term health and stability of the local coastline.
