Tidal pool maintenance begins

Remedial work needed after heavy storms

SOUTH AFRICA: Work to repair damage caused by the recent storms in the Cape resulted in the flooding and washing away of the northern section of the Camps Bay tidal pool began today.

The flooding resulted in a significant amount of sand in the near shore causing a large sand bank that has impacted on the functional space of the pool. .

Last week the City of Cape Town Management announced that it would commence mechanical activities today to remove as much of the sand bank as practically possible and to reinstate the beach.

Although the pool will not be closed in its entirety, the public has been advised to consider one of the other city’s facilities during the maintenance project.

“These works will require lowering the water level in the pool. As such, the pool will experience lower water levels during the execution of the works and will take a day or two to fill up to capacity depending on the tides and swell size post the work,” said the City’s Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews.

Given that much of the sedentary marine life died as a result of the freshwater ingress during the storm, it's an opportune time to do the work. The fish and few mussels, starfish, whelks and urchins remaining will survive a reduced water level with minimal impact. 

The work is expected to take approximately three days.

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