Woensdag, 3 Maart 2021 | Tel: 021 910 6500 e-pos: nuus@tygerburger.co.za
MILNERTON
@TygerBurger TygerBurger NETWERK24. ALLES OP EEN PLEK.
Teken in by www.netwerk24.com.
The first phase of a R20 million project is underway at the Milnerton Beach, aiming at improving its infrastructure and safety for beachgoers. The first phase of the project is set to take approximately five to 10 years to complete.
R10 MILLION PROJECT: FIVE TO 10 YEARS TO COMPLETE
Beach to be upgraded KAILIN DANIELS @k10daniels
A
R20 million facelift for the decaying Milnerton coastline is currently underway - a decision welcomed by the community. This, as the infrastructure at the Milnerton Beach has deteriorated over the years due to coastal hazards and poor maintenance. The City of Cape Town released a feasibility report, stating that the key goal is to retain and improve the recreational and amenity facilities at the Milnerton Beach. “The original planned intervention at Milnerton Beach was the full retreat of the infrastructure. However, as a result of the required Covid cuts to our capital budget, a new programme has been prepared for Milnerton beach front,” the report reads. “This section of coastline is considered to be one of the most vulnerable stretches of coast in the city, as it relates to exposure to
coastal erosion and storm surge events. It is this exposure to these coastal hazards that presents a significant and real threat to not only City and private infrastructure, but to the recreational and amenity potential that such a node currently offers. Following significant engineering assessments and design, it was planned to undertake a retreat and rebuild of the public infrastructure at the beach front,” the City says in its report. However, in September last year the available budget was cut from R20 million to R10 million due to the impacts of Covid-19. Phase 1 of the project (the short and medium term intervention) will take up to five to 10 years to complete. This phase will see the following changes: . To demolish damaged concrete revetment (the stairs and the lifesavers ramp). This is not functional due to the damage and a risk to public health and safety. Part of the long term solution is to demolish in any event, therefore no wasteful expenditure. . Replacing the damaged concrete revet-
ment with a geo-container revetment. This is to protect the adjacent infrastructure and buildings. The geo-container revetment was considered the preferred option since the bags can be re-used as a sleeping revetment for the long term solution. A gabion wall is less robust to withstand the coastal processes at the site, compared with a geo-container revetment. . Repair the damaged beach access ramp adjacent the club house. The beach access ramp is a critical structure necessary for the provision of safe access for City vehicles to access the beach in the event of an emergency, as well as access for the lifesavers boat and trailer in the event of rescues and other emergencies. Phase 2 of the project (the long-term intervension) will take approximately 10 years to complete. This will include the landwards retreat of the lifesaving building, ablutions and promenade. Phase 2 will also include the implementation of the frontal dune as a soft coastal protection.
The Milnerton Lifesaving Club is located in close proximity to the existing and new revetment structure and deep excavation adjacent to the building could lead to undermining of the foundation. This is due to slope failure and temporary support will most likely be required. Ward 55 councillor, Fabian Ah-Sing, says he is excited that despite all the pressure on the City’s budget, the department went back to the drawing board and came up with a new plan. “Phase one of the project has already started, with the feasibility report finalised. We are now in the design and procurement phase. It does take a bit longer, but we have legislation and procedures that need to be followed to ensure good financial management,” Ah-Sing says. However, with procurement and design, there are things that might change and various factors will influence whether or not the City will need to increase the budget for the project, Ah-Sing explains. V To page 8.
STRING OF BEADS
OUR PLANTS – GUARANTEED TO GROW
WAS 99.95
NOW
SPEKBOOM
MARGARET ROBERTS LAVENDER
THATCHING REED
WAS 59.95
NOW
22.95 www.stodels.com
WAS 59.95
NOW
22.95
WAS 49.95
NOW
24.95
PLUMBAGO
CAPE HONEYSUCKLE
WAS 69.95
NOW
26.95
(INDOOR)
WOOD MULCH 60DM
WAS 59.95
NOW
28.95
Bellville 021 919 1106 | Milnerton 021 528 4000 | Kenilworth 021 671 9050 | Bergvliet 021 794 2221 | Somerset West 021 852 7400
49.95
BANANA WILLIAMS
WAS 69.95
NOW
39.95
WAS 129.95
NOW
49.95
Offers valid until 7 March 2021. While stocks last. X1WK9EHD-AL030321