The City of Cape Town on Tuesday said it has
allocated approximately R25-million in its proposed budget over the next three
years for the upgrade of the coastal infrastructure at Fisherman’s Lane at
Strandfontein on the False Bay coastline.
“The spring tides and wave action have left its mark on this
popular fishing spot that has been a huge attraction to fisherman from all over
the city. They’ve been visiting Fisherman’s Lane for decades.
“It’s high time that we restore and protect this area for future
generations and I’m happy to say that this project will be a priority for
us,” said the City’s mayoral committee member for spatial planning
and environment Marian Nieuwoudt.
Officials within the coastal management department have already started
with the planning of the Fisherman’s Lane project and professional service providers will be
appointed in due course.
“After obtaining a detailed environmental decision we now know
what we can do at Fisherman’s Lane. The City prides itself in open access to
our coasts and beaches, but recognises that we must take climate change and its
impact into account,” said Nieuwoudt.
According to the City, much of the upgrade will be focused on replacing
the worn coastal infrastructure, among which are a new
walkway where the road has collapsed and replacing a section
of the broken sea wall with a rock revetment, which is a solid structure that
is put in place to absorb the force of the incoming water.
“What excites me most though are the plans we have for the existing
braai area and for a new picnic and braai area where we will have a designated
play zone for children and walkways to the tidal pool and parking lot. These
improvements, once completed, will have a huge impact on visitors’ overall
experience of Fisherman’s Lane. This must be a welcoming and safe space for
families where they can spend time in nature and fully enjoy the beautiful
surroundings,” Nieuwoudt explained.
She said the detailed specifications of the tender were being finalised and would be advertised in due course. “We’re aiming to have the contractor on site by October 2020 and for the project to be completed by November 2021, if all goes as planned.”
