Due to safety concerns caused by severe weather in the area, public access points to Milnerton Beach have been closed off on 18 July 2018, until repairs are made to the promenade.
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department has closed off public access to Milnerton Beach fearing the integrity of the promenade following spring tide weather conditions experienced on 13 July 2018.
Earlier in July severe conditions were also experienced due to a storm surge, the Recreation and Parks Department, in consultation with the City’s coastal management team, closed off access to two slipways at the beach during this period. Only a few days later, another severe weather occurrence caused further damage, this time affecting the promenade and resulting in the decision to close off the area completely.
“We understand that this is an inconvenience to beachgoers, but we have to prioritize public safety. Given that repairs to the structural damage will take several months to complete, the City is investigating the establishment of a temporary access point to the beach. The City is cautiously optimistic that this will be established in the next 14 days. We appeal to the public for their cooperation and understanding during this time,” Mayco Member for Area North, Suzette Little told IOL.
Residents are advised to instead access the coast at Lagoon Beach or Sunset Beach until a safer temporary access route is established for the public to get to Milnerton Beach.
An urgent report is being drafted through Coastal Management to recommend appropriate repair and protection measures. Due to the level of work required the process of repair is expected to be lengthly, but the City is working to ensure repairs are made as soon as possible.
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