The much-anticipated reconstruction of the Seekoei Estuary Causeway, connecting Aston Bay and Paradise Beach in Jeffreys Bay, is set to commence at the end of March, with completion expected by mid-August 2025.
At a public meeting held on March 17, Kouga Local Municipality addressed affected residents regarding the project and potential disruptions during the R9.3 million project, which is funded primarily through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG).
The causeway sustained significant damage during the September 2023 Equinox Spring tides and gale-force winds – an event classified as a national disaster. This enabled the municipality to secure R10.55 million in MDRG funding to repair and upgrade storm-damaged infrastructure, including the Seekoei Estuary Causeway.
Years of research, supported by the CSIR, informed the current design of the causeway, ensuring it can endure spring tides and accommodate flood waters from a 1:100-year storm without expanding the floodline into surrounding developments.
Constructed in 1973 and updated in 1994, the Seekoei Estuary Causeway has faced multiple challenges over the years. Severe storms in 2014 caused the collapse of its culverts, leading to extensive repairs, including replacing nearly 50% of its asphalt surface with concrete panels and the addition of another set of box culverts in 2015.
Project Scope
• Replacing asphalt with plain jointed concrete pavement.
• Reinforcing concrete erosion protection on the upstream side.
• Installing four sets of precast portal culverts measuring 3.0m x 1.5m.
• Repairing concrete spalling on existing culverts.
• Conducting general repairs to concrete and armourflex along the Seekoei Riverside.
• Reinstating road warning signs and streetlights.
• Implementing wave protection measures, subject to budget availability.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, emphasised the urgency of the repairs and urged residents to drive cautiously on gravel roads during construction.
“The municipality is aware of the inconvenience this project poses to Paradise Beach residents. However, safety remains our top priority, and the causeway must be fully closed during construction,” said Bornman. “We will work closely with contractors to minimise road closures and ensure clear communication with the public throughout the process.”
Bornman added that the municipality is collaborating with the Provincial Department of Transport (DOT) to maintain alternative routes and will deploy resources to assist as needed.
The municipality urges residents to respect the construction site, as strict regulations will be enforced to mitigate risks and ensure efficient progress over the planned 12- to 16-week construction period.
