PLANS for the development of Newark Beach have been put on hold after concerns that construction work is taking place on a wetland.
Partially-built facilities at the grass section at Newark have been abandoned as new proposals are being drafted.
Besides being a wetland, the area also lies below the spring high tide level, and is often filled by sea water during incoming storm surges.
The Newark development is part of a R10.5-million upgrade to the Alkantstrand Beach Precinct that will see it furnished with new infrastructure, landscapes, walkways and amenities.
Funded by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), this would almost double the current recreational space at the beachfront.
The proposal development would include new picnic sets, braai facilities, boardwalks, refreshment kiosks, shade shelters and event facilities.
City Director: Parks, Sport and Recreation – Ernst van Biljon, is confident the Newark dune barrier will be naturally fortified as dredge sand pumping continues.
The past months have seen a welcome increase in dredger activity, although prevailing wind and ocean current conditions has not seen much sand migrate south towards the main beach in front of the lifeguard tower.
Machines are presently moving the build-up of sand from the dredger pipeline area and spreading it towards the beach.
Meanwhile, the geobag protection wall laid earlier this year has more than proved its worth in preventing further erosion.
