THE once popular beach at St Francis Bay is set to be restored after more than five decades of development and erosion.
The stabilisation of the main sand dune that fed the Point and the construction of residential property thereon, resulted in the slow decline of beach sand – approximately one metre a year – until no beach was left.
All that is left are waves smashing against the rocks at high tide.
In a bid to rebuild the beach in the area, the Special Rating Area (SRA), will construct five solid groynes to be placed along the beach. Once placed, sand will be pumped from the heavily silted Kromme River Mouth to the west of the groynes – thus rebuilding the beach all the way to the spit and the Kromme Ri-ver Mouth.
It is furthermore hoped that the much-needed intervention will result in world-class waves, making St Francis Bay an epic holiday destination with amazing beaches and beach amenities.
Funds for the project that will take place in different phases, will be sourced from the voluntary additional 25% levy imposed on residents by the SRA, a public/ private partnership.
According to local surfers and fishermen, solid groynes are the only way to capture the sand to build the beach up again.
“It is the only way to do it,” says former professional and big wave surfer, Johnathan Paarman, who has worked in St Francis Bay for over a decade. “The solid groynes are the only way to stop the longshore erosion on the St Francis beaches.”
Long-time resident and surfer, Dave Hill, says, “We have watched the slow erosion on our beaches for the last 50 years. Solid groynes have been proven world-wide to stop erosion, catch sand and re-establish beaches in these situations.”
Once completed, St Francis Bay residents and visitors to the area, will no longer have to head to Cape St Francis or Jeffreys Bay to enjoy a day in the sun at the beach.
- To date, the SRA installed 141 security cameras in St Francis Village, resulting in a remarkable drop in crime.
They have furthermore redesigned and rebuilt the St Francis Village entrance circle area.
