sands of time catch up with property boom
21 December 2007

Beach erosion is a world-wide phenomenon and, although it is threatening parts of the Eastern Cape coast, we are also leading the way in reclaiming lost beach and finding ways to avoid the problem in the future. In St Francis Bay, the issue erupted two years ago following 30 years of gradual erosion caused by residential development on inland “bypass” dunes.

Sand which used to blow into the bay, from where it would wash in and renourish the beach has been artificially stabilised. The beach is disappearing and hundreds of millions of rand in prime property, as well as the village‘s reputation as a tourism mecca – and thousands of associated jobs – are threatened.

An innovative project, involving the construction of artificial reefs and transfer of excess silt from the mouth of the Kromme River, was initiated by a trust founded by local resident Alan Tonkin, with the aid of Kiwi expert Dr Shaw Mead. Having received the personal approval of Environment and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk it ran aground over a funding dispute and has lain dormant for a year.

With just a wrinkle of sand left on the bay‘s former coastal glory, some are contesting the trust‘s argument that a rescue plan cannot wait on the government agreement to fund the initiative. Tonkin is calling on St Francis Bay home owners to attend today‘s ratepayer meeting in the village so an action plan can be finalised.

To read more click here:  http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/news/n03_18122007.htm

Guy Rogers, www.theherald.co.za