A collective R34-million has been allocated towards a three-year upgrade project of Fisherman’s Lane at Strandfontein Beach on the False Bay coastline and Seaforth Beach in Simon’s Town.
The City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Marian Nieuwoudt, says that the projects are part of the directorate’s capital projects and “two of the most important capital projects we’ll be undertaking over the medium-term”.
The City’s draft budget for the next financial year commencing on July 1 2019 amounts to a total of R49-billion, and of that mountain up to R593.1-million has been allocated to the Directorate of Spatial Planning and Environment for operations. This includes a further R69.2-million for the implementation of capital projects in the 2019/20 financial year.
Coastal Management Department officials have already begun planning these projects and professional service providers will be appointed for these upgrades.
Nieuwoudt says that the spring tides and wave action have impacted Fisherman’s lane, a popular fishing spot.
“It’s high time that we restore and protect this area for future generations and I want to add that I’ll personally monitor the progress of this project. The City will make more information available about the planned upgrades within the next week or so.”
The Seaforth Beach precinct is considered a gateway to the Boulders Beach penguin colony and an estimated R9-million has been allocated for upgrades this area. These include improvements to the parking area and interventions to improve traffic flow, increasing safety and convenience for pedestrians.
Nieuwoudt comments on the importance of these improvements to the location.
“At least a million tourists flock to this beach each year to observe the comings and goings of the African penguins. We’ll be upgrading the terraced grassed area, the pathways and access points to the beach.”
Here are a list of projects underway with the directorate:
– R9.8-million-worth of upgrades to the Helderberg Nature Reserve located in Somerset West, including the construction of a multipurpose centre for environmental education, meetings and the community.
– An estimated R3.2-million towards the local area initiative in Bontehuwel and Bishop Lavis
– R4-million for the demolition of derelict coastal infrastructure in the Strand, Table View, Macassar and other areas.
Nieuwoudt says that these projects will provide temporary job opportunities, facilitate private investment and improve access to local beaches.
“With this resource allocation in the budget, the City is honouring its undertaking to have a focused and holistic approach to our coastline. Investment in projects along our coastline will strengthen our resilience in dealing with the impact of climate change and also unlock economic opportunities for local communities.”
Picture: Seaforth Beach, Facebook Usha Nature Love