JEFFREYS BAY – The long-awaited reconstruction of the Seekoei Estuary Causeway in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, is progressing towards completion, with access across the causeway expected to be established by 30 September and full project completion scheduled for 15 October.
The causeway, originally constructed in 1973 and upgraded in 1994, suffered significant damage during the severe weather events of September 2023.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said that the September 2023 storm was subsequently classified as a National Disaster, enabling the municipality to access emergency funding from the Municipal Disaster Response Grant. “The causeway has unfortunately earned the reputation as the most dangerous road in the Eastern Cape,” said Bornman.
Following the devastating storm damage in September 2023, they secured R10,55 million for storm damage intervention measures.
Bornman said that approximately R7.55 million was allocated to reinstate the Seekoei Estuary Causeway, but since the contract value for the work was R9,2 million, the municipality therefore added approximately an additional R2,2 million.
He said that the comprehensive upgrade included replacing existing asphalt with concrete pavement, installing four sets of 3.0m x 1.5m precast portal culverts, and constructing new concrete aprons for erosion protection.
Additionally, general repairs were conducted on the concrete embankment, and road warning signs and streetlights were reinstated.
Bornman said that the design carefully balances the need to remain above the highest spring tides while allowing flood water from major storm events to pass safely.
“Years of research went into determining the optimal causeway level. We had to find the fine balance between keeping the road open during high tides and preventing flood waters from encroaching on surrounding developments,” said Bornman.
He said that the project faced significant environmental oversight, with the municipality required to comply with multiple legislative frameworks, including the National Water Act, Environmental Management Acts, and Heritage Resources Act among others.
An Environmental Management Committee was also established to ensure full compliance throughout construction, and LRC Civils CC was appointed as the primary contractor, with consulting services provided by JG Afrika (Pty) Ltd.
Bornman said that the environmental approval process and weather conditions presented ongoing challenges. Thankfully, these challenges were combated, and the reconstruction process is set to be completed soon.
Since the causeway serves as a crucial link for residents of Paradise Beach, Aston Bay and surrounding coastal areas, Bornman said that during construction, alternative routes and temporary access arrangements were coordinated.
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