The City’s Coastal Management branch, in partnership with the Roads Infrastructure Management Department, is busy with a pilot project to mitigate the impact of windblown sand on Baden Powell Drive, at Sandy Corner, close to Monwabisi.
Every year, during the windy summer months, this section of Baden Powell Drive is severely impacted by the strong southeastely winds that blow sand from the local dune system onto the road.
Now, a pilot project is underway to test the efficacy of brushwood and straw in trapping the sand on the dune, and to assist in stabilising the dune system at Sandy Corner. Dune reprofiling will also be done.
The City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, says work commenced on Monday, 2 February, and they hope to be done by next week.
“Some people driving along Baden Powell Drive would have noticed the activity next to the road. We are moving approximately 5000 m3 of clean sand and returning this to circulation in the sea. Then we reprofile the dune, and trial the use of the brushwood and straw to trap the sand. This is only a trial and we will track the efficiency in coming months.”
Baden Powell Drive is an important road link for many commuters, but it becomes a huge challenge in the summer months when sand accumulates on the surface, especially during long periods of strong southeasterly winds, which at times result in the closure of the road.
Once complete, the City will continue to monitor the dune system to measure the impact. The trial period will conclude at the end of June 2026.
