by SFT | Jul 22, 2024 | SFPO
A regular column where we dig a little deeper into what is happening with the groyne field project in St Francis Bay.
Our first column consists of some straightforward questions to Wayne Furphy, who is the Chairperson of the St Francis Property Owners Association and the SFPO Non Profit Company.
Many questions have been floating around about the progress of the Long Term Coastal Protection Solution in St Francis Bay. Most of the questions pertain to whether we will actually see this groyne field project come to fruition, what the groynes will be constructed out of, and when we can expect the construction to start.
SFT: Are we going to see the groynes being constructed?
WF: Groynes are used around the world to protect and preserve beaches. A groyne field consisting of six groynes forms the basis of our Long Term Coastal Protection Solution in St Francis Bay. The groynes will be constructed using rocks. We start with the two groynes on the Spit, then move to Anne Avenue where we construct the third groyne. We will then nourish the beach between the two groynes on the Spit, as well as Main Beach to the south of the Anne Avenue groyne.
When will construction begin?
WF: We expect to be ready to start construction in September this year. This will depend on (1) the price tendered falling within the cost estimates calculated by Worley (the Coastal Engineers who designed this solution) and the funds we have available at this point in time, and (2) the time required by the contractor to mobilise for this project, i.e. moving their equipment from their current location to St Francis Bay. We expect the construction of the three groynes and the sand nourishment on the Spit and Main Beach to take approximately 14 months. The remaining groynes and sand nourishment will be undertaken once we have additional funding available to do so.
The fundraising update can be found here
Some examples of groyne fields
Maputo
Lisbon
by SFT | Jul 19, 2024 | Photo Of The Day
Suits and Bikini Surfers Collide – Photo Of The Day by Naom Tomson
See also: History of the bikini
by Craig Jarvis | Jul 19, 2024 | St Francis
–Kouga Municipality has recently procured a new skip truck at a cost of R1,790,942.49. This new skip truck for
Kouga Municipality acquisition is part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management services and enhance operational efficiency within the community. Pictured are (from left) Nomvula Machelesi (Director: Community and Safety Services), Theo Madatt (Director: Electro and Mechanical Services), Nico Gouws (Manger: Fleet), Christa Venter (Manager: Waste and Environmental Management), Daniel Beson (Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community and Safety Services), Timothy Jantjes (Deputy Executive Mayor, Deon Minya (driver), and Zanethemba Rasmesi (superintendent).
by SFT | Jul 18, 2024 | St Francis
– Spearheaded by Kouga Municipality, the upgrade of the KwaNomzamo Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in Humansdorp, with a total project cost of R42.36 million, is now progressing at full pace.
This advancement comes after overcoming significant challenges, including adjustments by the National Treasury to the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for the 2023/2024 financial year, which reduced the project grant from R12,227,574.42 to R7,656,356.15 – thus slowing progress.
For the current financial year (2024/2025), a total of R33,545,025 has been allocated through the MIG for the Project Implementation Plan (PiP), ensuring continued progress and completion of this vital infrastructure project.
Increase the treatment capacity
The project aims to not only increase the treatment capacity of the plant, but also to remove impediments hindering the progression of the KwaNomzamo 400 housing project.
“The upgraded waste water treatment works, incorporating state-of-the-art treatment technologies and processes, will significantly facilitate progress in the development pipeline for the KwaNomzamo 400 housing project,” said Kouga Executive Deputy Mayor, Timothy Jantjes.
Upgrade of KwaNomzamo Waste Water
“The enhanced treatment capacity of 2.5Ml/d, coupled with improved efficiency, will bolster essential infrastructure for new residential areas, thereby advancing the municipality’s initiatives to meet housing demands in a rapidly expanding community.”
The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, a new mechanical front rake, new washer compactor, new ultrasonic level detector, new sludge pumps, new gearbox and motors, and the replacement of the clarifiers wire plates and baffle plates.
It, furthermore, includes the refurbishment of the bridge structure and the reinstatement of the sludge dewatering belt press. A new security fence will also be erected.
Improved living conditions
It is estimated that the project will be completed by April 2025.
“The KwaNomzamo Waste Water Treatment Works upgrade is crucial for ensuring sustainable development and improved living conditions for our residents,” said Jantjes.
“It represents a pivotal investment in our community’s future, aligning with our commitment to provide reliable infrastructure and support growth.”
by SFT | Jul 18, 2024 | St Francis
The Kouga Municipality recently became aware of fraud and corruption related to the illegal sale of electricity. It acted immediately and decisively to ensure clean governance and transparency.
Eight officials have been suspended as a result. Two of these officials have since resigned, and an internal and external investigation is currently underway.
The Kouga Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Hattingh Bornman, has condemned the alleged acts of fraud and corruption and said that maladministration or any other dishonest activities of a similar nature will not be tolerated.
“Irregular activities will be investigated and followed up by applying all remedies available within the full extent of the law, as well as applying appropriate prevention and detection controls. Suspects who are found guilty will be subjected to formal criminal charges,” said Bornman.
Mayor Bornman also urged residents to report any suspected maladministration to the office of the Municipal Manager and/or Office of the Executive Mayor.
Residents who suspect or have witnessed dishonest activities are urged to report these activities to 071 885 9888. They will remain anonymous, and the process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Residents are
furthermore urged to only purchase electricity from accredited vendors or municipal offices.
The Kouga Municipality considers transparency a crucial element of good governance and will continue to inform the public about future developments.
See also: From Rugby Fields To Water Purification – Llewellyn Johnson
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