Nonoti beach node development underway

Tags

---

11-10-2022
Read : 190 times
North Coast Courier
Source

The first two phases have received funding, with initial costs listed at R8.3-million for phase one and R23-million for phase two.

The long awaited Nonoti Beach Node development was launched on Saturday, with construction to begin this week.

Split into four initial phases, the construction of amenities at the beach is intended to promote tourism in the area, while also reducing pressure on other North Coast beaches.

Festive periods have already caused congestion at most major beaches, with the load expected to be even larger this year given water quality issues south of the Tongaat River.

This aside from areas which experience overcrowding weekly, such as KwaDukuza town’s most accessible beach at Blythedale and Mandeni’s closest being the embattled Tugela Mouth.

“All the beach nodes in KwaDukuza were developed before 1994. As such, these nodes are typically characterised by apartheid planning strategies which layout and infrastructure do not support the needs of the broad community of KwaDukuza and South Africa in current times. It is expected that this development will contribute to bridging the gaps in society that have been created before 1994,” said KDM spokesperson Sipho Mkhize.

Nonoti Beach is only accessible from the R102 and there is no direct highway offramp, making it most accessible for residents from KwaDukuza and Darnall, alongside other settlements along the road.

Currently, access to the beach is on an ungraded road that is reasonably difficult for vehicle access, but this will be addressed in phase two of the development.

The first two phases have received funding, with initial costs listed at R8.3-million for phase one and R23-million for phase two.

Phases three and four are both expected to cost R5-million, but these have not yet been approved for funding.

Basic infrastructure will be put in place during phase one, including a bulk water supply and ablution block, as well as a car park with lighting.

The duration of work is expected to be nine months and should be completed by August.

Phase two largely addresses access and 1.8km of asphalt will be laid, with the road being widened to two lanes.

Street lights will also be installed, powered by 2.4km of electrical supply.

Construction of phase two is expected to begin in December, with the project duration listed as 12 months.

It is hoped that the initial two phases will be complete in time for the 2023 festive season.

A lifeguard tower will only be built during phase three and it is unclear whether this will be in time for December 2023 when a large influx of visitors is expected.