The National Department of Public Works (NDPW) plans to install three siphons in St Francis Bay to drain water from the big impoundment (dam) in Santareme via a safer route to the Romazini gorge.
These measures are to temporarily safeguard Santareme properties until an NDPW consultant makes other recommendations.
On 15 September last year a massive river of water and debris flows hit the quiet upmarket suburb of Santareme early in the morning and made its natural way down to sea – almost taking with it two whole houses along with other debris. Water that collects in the dunes that run alongside St Francis Drive to the Port formed two dams, one of which overflowed. The water and debris forced its way down Dias Road to the sea at around 8.30 am severely damaging the two houses and partially damaging several others in its path.
The news of the installation of the siphons was announced by the St Francis Bay Residents Association (SFBRA) today (14 March). The SFBRA it has been in correspondence with the Chief Engineer of the National Department of Public Works concerning the dunefield dams in Santareme.
“A consultant is appointed by the NDPW to investigate the dune and storm water problem in St Francis Bay. He will be briefed on Friday, 15 March. The Provincial Department of Public Works and Roads will also be present at the briefing. The SFBRA also says the siphons will be installed by W Botha from the Kouga Municipality. Good news indeed,” the SFBRA says.
Last year engineers and environmental scientists remarked that they have been warning St Francis Bay residents for years that the water in the dunes could overflow and cause damage. “The dune dams have overflowed throughout history,” they said.
See original article on the flood in Santareme:
In other news today the SFBRA reveals that its next project is the cutting of the grass verges, starting in Santareme. This is because municipal workers are still on strike and much of Santareme is undeveloped. Plus there are no residents to cut verges.
“Priority, in this project, is for street corners and intersections where visibility when driving a vehicle is a problem, especially on roads leading onto St Francis Drive. We are in the process of asking local gardening services to quote, some of whom have indicated their willingness to do it at cost to assist our community project. The SFBRA feels strongly about supporting local business and assisting in employing local labour.”
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