2018 Year in Review: Durban beaches eroded
eThekwini was forced to close several Durban beaches this year due to the erosion of sand. In some instances beachfront infrastructure was badly exposed.
The municipality had to close the beaches to replenish the sand.
NOW READ: Durban beaches closed to address sand shortage
University of KwaZulu-Natal marine geologist, Professor Andrew Green said the erosion of beaches is a natural phenomenon, but the issue in Durban was compounded due to the heavily engineered nature of the promenade area.He said developing a healthy dune system along the affected beaches would be one way to mitigate the impact of high seas and larger than usual swells. eThekwini said in a statement earlier in the year that climate change, leading to beaches being battered by strong storms, and the over-mining of sand were the causes of a lack of sand on the central beaches.
WATCH: Massive waves, cyclonic weather conditions cause closure of Durban beach
Portions of North, Dairy, Country Club and Battery beaches were for extensive sand replenishment operations.The municipality had to close the affected beaches for about a month while the problem was resolved.