Cape Town: The Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate of the City of Cape Town will commence with its annual earthworks to move accumulated sand at various dune projects in Table View, Hout Bay, Witsand, Monwabisi and Fleur Park, next week. The work will commence from Monday, May 04, 2026 until the end of the month, if all goes as planned.
Deputy Mayor and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews stated that as is the case every year, they are about to attend to the coastal dune projects along the False Bay and Atlantic coast. Dunes are formed by wind and tidal processes which result in the accumulation of sand.
The frontal nets at the toe of the dunes are used to trap wind-blown sand. These nets will be lifted, and the clean accumulated sand will be placed back into the sea below the low water mark. The purpose of the annual earthworks is to return windblown sand to the sea, and back into circulation.
According to the Deputy Mayor Andrews, these works will be undertaken using an excavator and articulated tipper truck. The beaches where the work will take place will remain open to the public.
However, the residents and visitors should keep their dogs under control and keep clear of the earth moving equipment. The City of Cape Town thanked the residents and visitors for their patience during the course of this work.
Dune systems also act as a reservoir of sand to replenish and maintain the integrity of the beach during and post erosion events.
Considering this, Alderman Andrews said that the Dune rehabilitation is the most cost-effective and pragmatic approach to protect and rehabilitate ecosystems and ecological infrastructure. When fully functional, these systems in this case, the dunes will help to create quality coastal spaces for all of them.
If all goes as planned, the City of Cape Town will begin its annual dune maintenance work at coastal sites. The project involves moving accumulated sand back into the sea to keep natural coastal processes functioning and protect beaches from erosion.
Beaches will remain open, but residents and visitors are asked to keep a safe distance from machinery and ensure dogs are under control.