Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has commenced its annual nourishment of Alkanstrand Beach in partnership with the City of uMhlathuze.
This environmental practice is vital for protecting the city’s coastline from erosion and ensuring the safe navigation of vessels calling at the Port of Richards Bay.
TNPA said it had deployed its dredger, iLembe, which is equipped with trailer suction capabilities, to conduct the operation. It is one of the most advanced dredgers operating in Africa, with a hopper capacity of 5 500 cubic metres.
The dredger will extract sand that accumulates naturally in the port’s sand trap. It pumps the sand through a bypass pipeline to Alkanstrand Beach to restore and stabilise the shoreline, ensuring balance between port operations and the nearby coastal environment.
“The beach nourishment reflects on the ongoing port city integration, which ensures that essential maintenance work is undertaken transparently to benefit both port operations and the broader community,” said port manager, captain Dennis Mqadi.
The operation adheres to strict environmental regulations and is monitored by independent specialists to ensure minimal ecological disturbance.
uMhlathuze city manager, Phakama Mhlongo, said the annual beach nourishment project was a proactive investment in the city’s coastline, supporting the long-term resilience of the environment.
“This partnership is an excellent example of how local and national entities can work together for the good of the community,” said Mhlongo.
Alkanstrand Beach will remain open for public use while beach nourishment activities are under way. Certain areas may be temporarily restricted for safety reasons, and the public are urged to observe safety signage in these areas. The project will continue until the end of March 2026.
