I noticed that the Department of Transport team were out recently, clearing away the sand off the M4 that keeps blowing through from the dunes.
Some time ago, the DoT said they were looking into a permanent solution to the problem. Of course the problem was created when the road was built, as it cut into the coastal dune. Any interference in the littoral zone, by mankind, is asking for trouble from nature. There have been many examples of human interference along our coastline. All of which cost money to ameliorate.
Environmental practitioners have suggested that the dune, at Boys and Girls Town, may be stabilised with judicious planting. It would require a different approach from the current one. There is a particular advantage at this part of the beach, as there is the overhead pedestrian bridge. This would allow a water pipe to be used to establish vegetation on the dune.
If the dune is properly vegetated, it would lessen its propensity to migrate inland and overflow on the road surface. Portions of dunes have been rehabilitated in this way in Umhlanga and the Durban beachfront, so it could be possible here.
It just takes someone in authority to try a different approach!
GEOFF PULLAN
Westbrook
