Multi-purpose beach cleaning machine heads to Amanzimtoti

With the mission of obtaining Blue Flag status for Amanzimtoti Main Beach, a state of the art, custom-made Unimog and beach rake, imported from the United States of America, have finally arrived in Amanzimtoti.

The multi-purpose vehicle will be introduced to beaches in due course. The Clean Surf Project (CSP) team has spent an entire year planning to obtain the much-needed beach cleansing equipment, following last April floods that caused severe havoc with litter being scattered all along the coastline.

CSP’s Romy Wenzel said, “The purpose of the machinery is to assist eThekweni Municipality with the beach cleaning along the Umbogintwini River to Amanzimtoti Lagoon, an area that was recently been named the Inkwazi Isu Project. The custom-made Unimog, a second-hand vehicle, built by Danie Roux from C&D Unimog Specialists in Sabie, will be used to pull the beach rake that is to filter the sand. The machine will remove as much plastic, in particular small, broken down pieces, cigarette butts, glass and virtually any unwanted debris as possible.”

The equipment will be operated by CSP and is supported by eThekweni Municipality beach management. It will take high precautions to protect the beach ecosystem and will only remove intrusive and hazardous litter.

ALSO READ: Clean Surf Project tackles Amanzimtoti Lagoon

“The overall goals are to improve the coastal and ocean ecosystem and to obtain Blue Flag Status for Amanzimtoti Main Beach. This could boost the local tourism sector which has been severely affected with lockdown regulations being in place. CSP would like to express gratitude to Coca Cola South Africa for the generous sponsorship of the beach cleansing equipment and the ongoing support of the plastic industry, including companies such as Plastics SA, Petco, Polyco, Sasol and SA Health Foundation. Finally, a big thank you goes to Stuart Groom and his Team from DSV Air and Sea based in Durban. The logistic company assisted with the transport of the Unimog as well as Beach Rake at an incredibly reduced price,” she added.

World Ocean’s Day is observed on Monday, 8 June and unfortunately, CSP will not host a clean-up campaign, however, it is a reminder to all of us to honour, help protect and conserve the ocean with this year’s theme being ‘Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean’.

“The CSP Team, without a doubt, will be back in action as soon as lockdown regulations have been eased, allowing us to explore, clean and enjoy our treasured coastline again,” added Romy.

For more information, call 082-802-3353 or email cleansurfproject@gmail.com.

ALSO READ: Birthday boy cleans up community

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