WITH roads and buildings long since in a sandy grave, access to the “crown jewel” of the Bay’s beaches has become a near impossibility.
The dunes at Sardinia Bay are shifting at a rate of approximately 5m per year and over time, have buried most of the infrastructure there under tons of sand.
But residents can now look forward to reaching this popular beach without effort soon.
An environmental impact study has been completed and the proposed development includes a new access road, a parking area for 260 cars, a new ablution block, facilities for lifesavers and a wooden walkway from the parking area to the beach.
According to DA councillor for the area, Rob Wylde, the budget for the project has already been approved.
“We hope that construction will start in January 2016 and it should be finished within about three months.”
Wylde said an environmental impact study was completed in 2011, but that it had since lapsed.
“It was as if certain people hoped that the dunes would somehow just disappear.”
Head of the Eastern Cape tourism body, Ectour, Jonker Fourie, said the development is fantastic news for residents and visitors alike.
“Port Elizabeth is a beach city and our beaches are major attractions. With difficult access to Sardinia Bay, this crown jewel was starting to vanish off the radar for residents and visitors.” Continued on page 2
