Prepared June 2005

Kouga Disaster Management (St Francis Bay Beach Action Committee)

Introduction

The function of this project is to take appropriate measures to reverse the erosion that is currently threatening to undermine houses along the St Francis Bay beach, and return the beach to the sandy state it was in about 20 years ago. The St Francis Bay beach is a prime recreational beach in the Eastern Cape, and the socio-economic prosperity of the St Francis Bay Village and surrounding area depends on the beach being in a healthy, attractive state.

The Kouga Municipality (and its predecessor, the St Francis Bay Municipality) have been working on the beach erosion problem for many years, culminating in an EIA (summary appended to this document) in which it was concluded that the preferred solution to the problem was to reduce beach erosion by means of groynes or an artificial reef, followed by building up the beach with sand dredged from the Kromme estuary. The solutions proposed are however considerably beyond the financial capabilities of the Kouga Municipality; hence assistance is being requested from Provincial or National Government. Budget allocation as set out in the table below is urgently required to prevent the economic, social and environmental disaster that will result if this project does not go ahead soon. The project is part of the Kouga Municipality Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

The Kouga Disaster Management (St Francis Bay Beach Action Committee) is a steering committee formed by the Council of the Kouga Municipality in July 2004. It comprises of Kouga Municipality councillors and officials, an environmental consultant and St Francis Bay residents. Its task is to drive the beach remediation process, and it has prepared this business plan. The business plan is divided into 3 years:

Phase 1: Investigative Phase: R2 million

Taking into account latest available technology and coastal engineering expertise, indications are that an artificial reef system will be the best option for protecting the southern portion of the beach. This reduces the need to insert the experimental permeable groyne, so it is given lower priority, and designated “Phase 1B”. The experimental permeable groyne is however a cost-effective way of protecting the northern portion of the beach If the permeable groyne is successful, it will trap sand along the beach in the area near the Kromme mouth, and can be used in conjunction with artificial reefs along the southern 2 km of beach, to reduce overall cost of the project (by shortening the length of artificial reef). It will also provide some data about the near-shore wave environment along the St Francis Bay beach that will help to design further beach protection works. Further groynes of this sort cannot be used on the southern 2 km of the beach, as the offshore sand layer is too thin.   The activities planned for the Investigative Phase are:

Collection of wave data (1 year period), collection of near-shore current and sediment data and survey of offshore bathymetry, detailed beach & near-shore profiles, aerial photography. Inserting and monitoring of the experimental permeable groyne. The materials have already been purchased by the Kouga Municipality This is an ongoing project, initiated by the Kouga Municipality.

Feasibility studies for beach protection structures, and preliminary design of further groynes or artificial reef. Final approval of EIA with Dept of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism, Eastern Cape Govt.

Phase 2: Groynes or artificial reef construction: R35 million

Final design of further groynes or artificial reef. Indications are that an artificial reef will be the best option, as it is visually totally unobtrusive and as there are other positive spin-offs like the creation of a prime surfing and scuba diving feature which will attract tourists to the region. Environmental monitoring plan (EMP). Appointment of environmental officer (for 2 years). Construction of groynes or artificial reef; this may run over into the third year.

Phase 3: Dredging: R42 million

Re-survey of sections across Kromme estuary; Rehabilitation of roads used for transporting groyne material; Mobilization of dredger, dredging of 1 million cubic metres of sand, decommissioning of dredger; Construction of small dredger for maintenance dredging.

It is intended to form a Black Empowerment Company to run the project which would include business people from the Kouga and Port Elizabeth areas as well as St Francis ratepayers, with the required technical and management expertise.

Appendix A: Activities undertaken

• Oct 2003: Record of Decision issued by Provincial Govt (DEAET) for experimental permeable gumpole groyne.

• Dec 2003: Meeting with NMMM and ANC deputy chairman, followed by a further meeting with above and Kouga Municipality officials, letter of support and co-operation received

• Dec 2003: Meeting in Cape Town with MP on PC for DEAT, visit to Langebaan who received grant of R39 million over 3 years to build groynes and dredge sand

• Jan 2004: Second visit to Langebaan. Appointment made to see Deputy Director-General DEAT in Pretoria in April.

• Jan 2004: Discussion with CEO of Southern Oceaneering, re: specific requirements for St Francis Bay dredging.

• Jan 2004: Discussions with Environmental Monitoring Programme Manager/Consultant, Langebaan.

• Jan 2004: Further discussions with MP on PC for DEAT, Cape Town

• Feb 2004: Draft presentation for DEAT prepared by Illenberger & Associates and St Francis Bay Beach Action Group.

• Apr 2004: Presentation completed by consultants and St Francis Bay Beach Action Group for presentation to Kouga Council.

• Apr 2004: Meeting with Deputy Director-General (Tourism) Dr P Matlou

• May 2004: Meeting with Director-General (Biodiversity and Heritage) in Pretoria. Ms M Mbengashe

• May 2004: Meeting with C.E.O. SATOUR. Mrs C Carolus presentation of St Francis Bay beach.

• June 2004: Meeting with Dr C. Olver, Director-General DEAT in Bhisho.

• June 2004: Discussions with Saldanha Municipal Manager on progress of groyne and dredging at Langebaan.

• June 2004: Meeting with Kouga Municipal Manager, Jeffreys Bay.

• July 2004: Presentation to Kouga Municipal Council.

• July 29 2004: Kouga Municipal Council. Resolution passed supporting the St Francis Bay Beach Action Group’s application for funding.

• Aug 16 2004: Meeting with Kouga Conservation Standing Committee. Election of steering committee comprising Kouga Council and St Francis Bay Beach Action Group. Ratification of above steering committee by Kouga Municipal Council.

• Aug 2004: Meeting with Chief of Staff, M.E.C. DEAET for Eastern Cape at Bhisho.

• Aug 2004: Meeting with M.E.C. for Public Works for Eastern Cape.

• Sept 13 2004 onwards: Monthly meetings of Kouga Municipal Disaster Management/ St Francis Bay Beach Action Group.

• October 2004: Office of MEC DEAET Mr A De Wet / Mr Joe Jordan, Parliamentary Liaison Officer

• January 2005: Visit by resident engineer of Langebaan groyne construction

• February 2005: meeting with MEC DEAET Mr A De Wet & staff

• June 2005: meeting with MEC DEAET Mr A De Wet & staff

Appendix B: Key role players and persons consulted

Appendix C: Steering Committee members