A battle between man and dune

The M4 just before the Boys and Girls Town bridge has been the scene of an ongoing battle between a stubborn dune and sweaty men with spades.

The men with the spades are part of the Department of Transport’s M4 sand dune rehabilitation project, which aims to get the errant dune under control and off the road. The dune has been spilling across the road for as long as it’s been there and has defied all efforts to contain it.

Consulting engineers, Samani Consulting have been working closely with Kerry Seppings Environmental Management Specialists (KSEMS) on this sandy issue. KSEMS environmentalist, Justin Kumkurren said ttheir mandate is to restore the vegetation and rehabilitate the dune.

“The existing sand dune will be pulled back and reshaped to its natural contour before being re-vegetated with indigenous coastal vegetation,” said Kumkurren.

“The main purpose for the vegetation of the sand dune is to ensure that the dune is stabilized and the growth of vegetation will act as a natural barrier to prevent the sand from blowing onto the M4.”

He said topsoil and fertiliser will be spread evenly on the surface of the reshaped dune in preparation for the plants.

“The sand dune will thereafter be reseeded with a cocktail of indigenous coastal seeds, which is suitable for that specific area and purpose.”

Kumkurren said once the area has been reseeded, hessian sheets will be placed on the revegetated areas to prevent the seeds from being blown away.

“The hessian sheets will also contain moisture to prevent the overuse of water during the watering process.”

The water will be obtained from a municipal source with a separate meter which will monitor water use on site.

“The project was handed over to us on August 28 and we expect to have it completed by about November 20,” said Madonsela.

So, the battle continues and we will soon see who the winner will be this time, between man and dune.