Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme to Rebuild Beaches, Safeguard Properties, and Secure the Local Economy
St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape: A significant step forward in safeguarding the coastline and rejuvenating the iconic beaches of St Francis Bay is set to begin with the launch of the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme (LTCPS). This large-scale infrastructure initiative, spearheaded by the St Francis Property Owners Non-Profit Company (SFPO NPC), will commence construction shortly and will transform the region’s vulnerable shoreline over the coming years.
What Is the LTCPS?
The LTCPS is an integrated coastal engineering project that will see the phased construction of several strategically placed rock groynes along the shoreline between the Kromme River mouth and Main Beach.
Complementing this will be a comprehensive beach nourishment program involving the dredging and pumping of sand from the Kromme River as well as the transport of sand from the Sand River delta by truck to replenish the eroded beachfront.
This dual approach, groyne construction combined with sand nourishment, aims to restore the beaches, ensure long-term coastal stability, and provide enhanced recreational and economic opportunities for the local community.
Why Now?
For decades, the beaches of St Francis Bay have suffered a net loss of sand because of reduced input of wind-driven sand following the stabilisation of the dune system between Grannies Pool and the Port St Francis Harbour. At present, during high tides, many areas of coastline have no visible beach. This erosion has placed both the ‘spit’ protecting the canals and ocean-fronting properties at serious risk of wave damage, prompting urgent intervention.
The LTCPS is designed to re-establish and maintain the beachfront, protecting key infrastructure, homes, and natural habitats while simultaneously enhancing beach access for residents and visitors. Revitalised beaches are expected to stimulate tourism, job creation, and local economic development, particularly within the ocean economy.
Project Timeline and Logistics
The first construction phase will begin with the installation of three rock groynes, a process expected to take approximately 13,5 months. During this time:
A rock laydown area will be established next to the St Francis Municipal Depot.
Rock will be trucked from this point to the designated groyne construction sites along the coastline as required.
Simultaneously, sand will be dredged and then piped from the Kromme River as well as transported by truck from the Sand River delta to various drop-off points along the beach.
Preferred Rock Delivery Routes
The deliveries from the commercial quarry will be via the R330, along the municipal servitude that runs parallel to Lyme Road North onto the laydown area adjacent to the St Francis Municipal Depot. The alternative route is via Lyme Road North and left onto St Francis Drive to the laydown area.
Laydown Area To The First and Second Groyne (Project Area 1)
Rock Delivery Route 1.
From the laydown area onto St Francis Drive, right into Grand Comore, right into Poivre Crescent, then left into Aldabara Run to the parking lot at the end of Aldabara Run. Return along Poivre Crescent and Grand Comore to St. Francis Drive, and return to the laydown area.
Laydown Area To The Third Groyne (Project Area 2)
Rock Delivery Route 2.
From the laydown area onto St Francis Drive, left into Liege Road, right into Guinevere Road to Anne Avenue. Return along Laura Road and Liege Road to St. Francis Drive, and return to the laydown area.
Sand River Delta on Kromme to Main Beach
Sand Delivery Route 1.
From the Sand River Delta along Sunset Drive, right onto St Francis Drive, and left into Liege Road, right into Guinevere Road to Anne Avenue. Return along Laura Road and Liege Road to St. Francis Drive, and return to the laydown area.
Sand Dredging Route
Priority areas for dredging along the Kromme River have been identified. Sand from these areas will be transported by a pipeline along the southern bank of the Kromme River. A pump station will be located at ‘The Pumphouse’ to boost the transport of the sand slurry. The pipeline will be submerged at the Cove and Ski Canal entrances to the canal system, before turning right and running on top of the spit to various discharge points along the coastline.
Overview of Project Areas One and Two
Project Team
The LTCPS brings together leading professionals in engineering, construction, and project management:
WBHO Construction (Wilson Bayley Holmes) has been awarded the contract for the transport of rock and groyne construction.
Website: www.wbho.co.za
Miller Engineered Solutions has been awarded the contract for:
Design and fabrication of a custom dredger tailored to the project’s environmental and technical needs.
Oversight and execution of all dredging operations.
Laying of pipeline and pump station for transporting sand to nourish beaches
Worley Consulting: the marine / coastal engineering consultants responsible for the design of the LTCPS.
Website: www.worley.com/en/solutions/worley-consulting
Prodigious Construction and Property Development Consultants will manage the project lifecycle as the appointed Project Management team.
Website: www.prodigious.co.za
CES will manage all environmental aspects of the project through the appointed Environmental Officer and Environmental Control Officer.
Website: www.cesnet.co.za
The Environmental Monitoring Committee, consisting of representatives from the Kouga Municipality, DEDEAT, as well as local organisations, will meet on a regular basis to monitor the environmental aspects of the implementation of the project.
Stay Informed
Further details, updates, and progress reports can be found on the St Francis Property Owners Association website under the SFPO NPC (SRA) menu.
SFPO NPC Contact:
Lyn Aitken – Administration Manager
Phone: 042 294 0594
Email: info@sfpo.co.za
Office Address: 9 Philippa Place, St Francis Bay
The long term efforts of a group of dedicated community inspired residents has at last been rewarded with the go ahead of the beach rejuvenation project.This is likely to be a milestone development in the history of our town.It will restore the beach feature that attracted many of us here many years ago and should contribute to the ongoing positve growth of our town.If you do not grow our town could stagnate and lose investments that lead to success and job creation so badly needed in our poorly managed economy under ANC goverment.Well done to those involved who battled on despite some ill advised contrary views.Lets all celebrate this next stage of building a better St Francis.
Great news and huge thanks to the SFPO team led by Wayne Furphy for their commitment and resilience with this project.
A massive message of appreciation to the community and inspired residents of St. Francis. Though challenging, the support and belief in this project has been truly amazing, especially during such difficult times in our country.
A special applause to the SFPO team, led by Wayne Furphy, for your leadership, commitment, and resilience. Incredibly grateful to Mike Wiley and the construction team for your re-engineering skills, experience, and tremendous dedication.
all residents thank you for investing in the future of our town. This project is a true reflection of what can be achieved together, through unity, determination, and collective effort.
Interestingly, 3 cross shore “rip currents” are clearly visible between Aldabra run and the end of the spit on the photo provided.
Wow, awesome stuff, Huge thanks to Wayne Furphy and his dedicated team for pursuing this dream for so long against very difficult odds. Most of us would have given up years ago!! Looking forward to our beautiful coastline restoration.