Sand dunes along several Cape Town beaches will be reshaped as part of the City’s annual coastal maintenance programme this May.
The City of Cape Town confirmed that earthworks will begin on Monday, 4 May, and continue until the end of the month.
The work will take place in Table View, Hout Bay, Witsand, Monwabisi and Fleur Park.
Dunes maintenance work gets under way
According to the City, the project involves moving sand that has built up in dune systems back into the ocean.
“As is the case every year, we are about to attend to our coastal dune projects along the False Bay and Atlantic coast,” said Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews.
He explained that dunes form naturally through wind and tidal processes. Frontal nets at the toe of the dunes are used to trap wind-blown sand.
“These nets will be lifted, and the clean accumulated sand will be placed back into the sea below the low water mark,” Andrews said.
The work will be carried out using heavy machinery, including excavators and tipper trucks.
Why dunes are important for beaches
The City says the maintenance is aimed at keeping sand in circulation and protecting the coastline.
Dune systems act as natural sand reservoirs, helping to maintain beach structure before and after erosion events.
“Dune rehabilitation is the most cost-effective and pragmatic approach to protect and rehabilitate ecosystems,” Andrews added.
Beaches will remain open during the work. The public has been advised to stay clear of machinery and keep dogs under control.
