A pilot project to test the limit of nets against windblown sand, began on Wednesday, in Cape Town.
The initiative is along Baden Powell Drive, at Sonwabe Beach in Muizenberg.
It is a sand management intervention pilot project, which is a strategic placement of wind nets to trap sand closer to the sea and assist in managing the accumulated sand, before it reaches Baden Powell Drive.
If successful, limited windblown sand will blow into Baden Powell Drive, during the summer season, when the south-eastern wind is at its fiercest.
Although the trial began on Wednesday, the 13th November 2024, maintenance is scheduled to continue until 30 May 2025.
The City said in a statement, this method was successful in Hout Bay where it was used for several years, to keep Promenade Road free of sand.
Speaking of details of the pilot, Alderman Eddie Andrews, MMC for Spatial Planning and Environment, said “excess stockpiled sand at Sonwabe, which is a significant contributing factor in itself, will be removed.
The installation and maintenance of wind nets, will be placed perpendicular to the predominant south-eastern wind direction on the eastern side of Sonwabe parallel with Baden Powell Drive, seaward of the parking area at Sonwabe, and directly parallel with Baden Powell Drive. “
He also said wind nets will be open ended, to allow pedestrian access to the beach and will also aid in keeping the parking area clear of sand.
This project will not impact access to the coast, nor the public launch site.
Members of the public are asked not to interfere with the nets at Sonwabe.
Picture: Supplied