Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality agree on interim measures at Diaz Beach

The Western Cape Government recognises the serious and ongoing risks posed by coastal erosion at Diaz Beach and the need to protect people, properties and public infrastructure in the affected area.

The Municipality has proposed the installation of geotextile sandbags as an interim emergency measure to stabilise the dune and reduce the immediate risk of further collapse. The measure is intended to prevent damage to, or the collapse of, properties and infrastructure onto the beach, while also reducing risks to members of the public accessing an area that remains unsafe.

The Mossel Bay Municipality and the Western Cape Government are in agreement that a permanent solution for improved coastal management at Diaz Beach needs to be implemented. The Basic Assessment process currently underway will inform the appropriate long-term solution.

It is important to emphasise that the proposed sandbags are not regarded as the permanent solution to the coastal erosion problem. Coastal protection measures can affect the natural movement of sand between the dune, beach and nearshore environment and, if not appropriately designed and managed, can contribute to erosion, beach narrowing and the loss of the beach as a public amenity.

Based on the latest information received, Minister Anton Bredell and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning have decided to abide by the court order allowing the sandbags to be installed as an urgent temporary measure.

The permanent solution will be determined through the Basic Assessment process in the coming months and could include the removal of the sandbags. Options such as sand replenishment may also be considered in determining the best practicable environmental option.

The Western Cape Government and Mossel Bay Municipality will continue to work together on both the immediate measures required to manage the current risk and the long-term measures needed to improve coastal management at Diaz Beach.

For media enquries:
Rudolf van Jaarsveldt - Head of Communication
Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
Western Cape Government
Tel: +27 (0)21 483 4051
Cell: +27 (0)76 319 5027

#GovZAUpdates

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