The eThekwini Municipality’s Engineering Unit has closed off portions of some of the City’s major beaches for the next for weeks as part of a sand replenishment operation.  

The beaches, which include North Beach, Dairy Beach, Country Club and Battery Beach, will be closed allow for sand pumping operations aimed at addressing the current severe shortage of sand on the beaches.

Randeer Kasserchun the City’s Deputy Head of Coastal, Stormwater and Catchment Management, says sand from south of the harbour is being dredged and transferred to Durban central beaches through sand pumping operations.

He added that the City prides itself with the maintenance of the beaches and it is important that they are nourished.

“If sand is not pumped onto the identified beaches, they may have to be closed for bathing as the safety of bathers will be at risk,” he notes.

According to the City’s Coastal, Stormwater and Catchment Management (CSCM) Department beach replenishment at these locations will be undertaken through an off shore system.

“Sand and water samples will be taken to test for water and sand quality. This emergency sand replenishment process is a joint operation between the City and Transnet has been approved by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs,” the City explains.

During this operation, bathing and beach use will not be allowed in the closed off areas.