THE reconstruction of the Seekoei Estuary Causeway, which connects Aston Bay and Paradise Beach in Jeffreys Bay, is set to commence at the end of March, 2025.
The project, valued at more than R9.3 million, will be primarily funded through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG). The construction is expected to take approximately five months.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, expressed the municipality’s commitment to restoring this critical link for residents and visitors.
“The reconstruction of the Seekoei Estuary Causeway is a priority project for the municipality. The damage caused by severe storms and rough seas in September 2023 significantly impacted mobility in the area. We are pleased that funding has been secured to rebuild this vital crossing in a manner that enhances its resilience.”
A public meeting is scheduled for March to engage with the Paradise Beach community regarding the upcoming construction project and any potential disruptions.
Scope of Work
The primary objective of the project is to install new precast portal culverts and reconstruct essential concrete erosion protection measures.
The scope of work includes:
. Replacing the existing asphalt surface with plain jointed concrete pavement
. Reinstating the concrete erosion protection on the upstream side of the causeway
. Installing four (4) sets of 3000mm x 1500mm precast portal culverts
. Repairing concrete spalling on the existing precast portal culverts
. Conducting general repairs on existing concrete and Armorflex along the Seekoei Riverside.
. Reinstating road warning signs and streetlights, subject to budget availability.
Bornman emphasised the importance of the project while addressing community concerns. “It is important to note that the causeway will remain a low-water bridge crossing due to infrastructure limitations in the surrounding area. Raising the structure above the 1:100-year flood line, which is currently benchmarked at the Zon-en-Zee apartments, would not be feasible under existing regulatory requirements.”
The Kouga Municipality appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents as this critical infrastructure project is undertaken.
