‘Decking out’ uMhlanga Promenade
The access point will be closed off until construction of a small platform deck has been completed.
IMPROVEMENTS to the uMhlanga promenade are underway as the eThekwini Municipality, the Coastal Engineering Department and the Umhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) have taken the initiative to protect the sand dunes and sandbags along the most northern access point.
The access point will be closed off until construction of a small platform deck, with balustrades linking to the existing stairs, has been completed. The current pace and state of construction suggests that the project will be completed by Friday, 24 April.
Four new benches will also be erected at the site. According to Brian Wright, of the Umhlanga UIP, the access point was becoming increasingly busy, and the growing foot traffic posed a threat to the protective sandbags as well as the coastal vegetation.
“The sandbags and the coastal dunes prevent erosion and degradation along the beachfront. If those elements break down, it breaks down the remaining protective structure. The aim is to create an atmosphere that not only improves the experiences of residents and tourists, but also protects the natural environment along the promenade and beachfront,” he said.
Equally exciting, and in line with the environmentally-friendly theme, is the fact that the project will incorporate the use of recyclable plastic lumber to construct the deck.
“Not only is this much safer for the environment, but these beams are also much more resilient. They can last decades and do not rot, erode or splinter,” added Wright.
