Beach sand pumping promise
Dredging to resume at Alkantstrand, Richards Bay.
THE sand-starved beach at Alkantstrand will soon receive a welcome boost of dredger spoil.
The Dredging Services division of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed on Thursday that its Isandlwana trailing suction hopper dredger will be in the Port of Richards Bay during June to address coastal erosion along the beaches.
Port Manager Preston Khomo said the situation is receiving the urgent attention of TNPA.
The good news was welcomed by City of uMhlathuze Beach Manager, Shakes Hiraman.
‘We have sadly watched our blue flag beach disappearing before our eyes during spring high tides and during storm surges.
‘Replenishing the sand will protect the coastal dune barrier and obviously be a lot more user-friendly for local and visiting bathers,’ said Hiraman.
‘We appreciate TNPA making this a priority activity.’
The Isandlwana was last in the port from mid-January to mid-February, reclaiming dredged material from the port’s sand trap on the southern breakwater and bypassing it onto the beaches on the northern side.
New dredger on order
TNPA’s Dredging Services division aids the removal of approximately four million cubic metres per year of dredged material from South Africa’s ports.
To meet growing demand and create capacity ahead of demand, the division has a fleet renewal programme underway, which began in 2006 and is in excess of R2-billion.
The present fleet includes the trailing suction hopper dredger, the Isandlwana (ordered in 2008 and delivered in 2010); the 750m3 grab hopper dredger, the Italeni, delivered in 2014; the Ingwenya trailer hopper dredger; the Impisi plough tug and four hydrographic survey boats.
The Ilembe dredger arrives in South Africa in January next year.
It was launched at a ceremony in Rotterdam on 9 May and will be the largest dredger at any African port.
