9/2023 - The cost of restoring our beaches

Once again, during Sept 2023, South African beaches suffered considerable damage from a seasonal winter storm. As it happens at irregular intervals, a combination of high spring tide and strong onshore winds with waves of up to 9,5m high, affected 50% of the southern coastline.

Composite retaining wall with foundation under sea level, in Ajman, Dubai

Is encroachment the problem?

Some experts claim that man-made climate change is to blame, other experts say that these storms are part of normal phenomena hat influence our weather, with varying intensity, since billions of years. It is also safe to assume that infrastructure development, encroaching into the coastal zone beyond the high-water mark, is a contributing factor toward the damage suffered. Be that as it may, we will have to respond in a measured and sustainable manner.

Terraforce sea wall, Herolds Bay, besides a small section that collapsed, withstood the unprecedented swell.

Informing Coastal Erosion Decision Making

The Western Cape Government has published a comprehensive document; Informing Coastal Erosion Decision Making which can be viewed here:

https://bit.ly/3tanrxH

Terraforce offers a solution

Terraforce® blocks have in some well-planned instances proven themselves over the years as one of the solutions available, often in combination with other methods. Three newsletters with case studies can be viewed here:

Terranews 13/S/1986 – Laguna Beach seashore protection

Terranews 08/2018 – 8/2018 – Why and how to protect our beaches? – Terraforce

Terranews 10/2019 – 10/2019 – Standing Strong: Herolds Bay Sea Wall – Terraforce

Section 15 of the act that governs coastal protection (NEM:ICMA) forbids erosion protection measures in the coastal zone, unless planned and approved through the prescribed channels. We may be able to assist or refer you to design professionals that may be better qualified in this regard.