Southbroom main beach gets a facelift

THE Southbroom main beach tidal pool was officially reopened by the Hibiscus Coast Municipality mayor Cynthia Mqwebu on Tuesday.

The pool was originally constructed in 1964, but through the years it deteriorated and became dangerous.

It was first considered that it would be better to remove the pool as it was difficult to maintain. But it was later decided in 2010 that it was socially and environmentally appropriate to keep it.

The HCM council made R1-million available for the rehabilitation of the pool, and contractor Anthony and Basson Developments was appointed through a tender process to repair the damages.

The construction company managed to complete the job two weeks prior to the given completion date and only used R877 000.

The company repaired the collapsed pool floor, fixed the walls and removed sand which had silted the pool.

A walkway was also added. The project created an employment opportunity for five local people.

“The main challenge experienced during the construction was that sometimes the high tides prevented work being done. Pouring of concrete had to be delayed for some time as the high tides would wash away all the cement,” said the mayor.

Brian Thompson from the Southbroom ratepayers’ association said he was pleased with the job done. “This project will promote the use of the beach facility for holidaymakers as well as local beachgoers,” he said.

He added that the association would elect a service provider to take care of the maintenance of the pool.