Johannesburg: The Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality have agreed on interim emergency measures to address the serious and ongoing coastal erosion risks at Diaz Beach: The Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality have reached an agreement on interim measures to tackle the pressing issue of coastal erosion at Diaz Beach.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning issued a statement acknowledging the significant risks posed by coastal erosion at Diaz Beach. The provincial government emphasised the urgent need to protect people, properties, and public infrastructure in the affected area.

The proposed solution involves the installation of geotextile sandbags as an interim measure by the Mossel Bay Municipality. These sandbags aim to stabilise the dune and reduce the immediate risk of further collapse, thereby preventing damage to properties and infrastructure. Additionally, this measure seeks to mitigate risks for the public accessing the unsafe area.

Department spokesperson Rudolf van Jaarsveldt highlighted the consensus between the Mossel Bay Municipality and the Western Cape Government on the necessity of a permanent solution for improved coastal management at Diaz Beach. A Basic Assessment process is currently underway to determine the appropriate long-term solution.

Van Jaarsveldt clarified that the sandbags are not a permanent solution. He warned that coastal protection measures, if not properly designed and managed, could disrupt the natural movement of sand and contribute to erosion, beach narrowing, and the loss of the beach as a public amenity.

Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, has chosen to comply with a court order permitting the installation of sandbags as an urgent temporary measure. The long-term solution, to be determined through the Basic Assessment process in the coming months, may involve removing the sandbags and considering options like sand replenishment.

Van Jaarsveldt assured that the Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality will continue to collaborate on both immediate measures to manage current risks and longer-term interventions to enhance coastal management at Diaz Beach.