[PHOTOS] Bluff beach upgrade a pipe dream
The upgrade to our beaches seems to have failed.
WITH no clear indication as to the commencement of the Bluff beach upgrade, residents are asking questions whether the municipality has suspended normal upkeep operations too.
The recent heavy rain exascerbated the sand build-up on Ansteys Beach, while simultaneously eroding sand at Garvies Beach and residents are frustrated at the lack of action by the municipality in resolving the problems.
According to Community Orientated Policing chairman, Rake Jeeves, whenever there is a strong south-westerly wind at Ansteys, sand is blown up the bank onto the grassed area.
This sand has now covered what little grass verge there was previously and is further encroaching on the car park.
The sand covers the grass, which causes it to die. It also blows into the road, along Foreshore Drive and down into the pool. They have had to drain the pool three or four times in the last few months which is costing a fortune,” said Jeeves.
The movement of the sand has also exposed broken pipes, concrete and other debris, which pose a risk to beach users. Added to this is the litter, which has been said to include knives and syringes.
Over at Garvies, the situation isn’t much better. The recent rain washed away a portion of the road and created a large crater in the beach sand. The surge in litter flowing downstream and into the ocean left the shores dangerous for use by swimmers and surfers.
“The upgrade to our beaches seems to have failed. They made promises and huge amounts were spent on architects and we never hear anything. I have been on the Bluff for 55 years and I have never seen it in such a state,” said Bluff Alliance’s Ivor Aylward.
Residents, along with local organisations, have sent queries to the municipality about when the problem will be resolved but no answer has been forthcoming. The Sun also emailed the municipality for clarification but no answer has been received in two weeks.
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