Muizenberg prepares for festive season as beachfront upgrades continue

Muizenberg is preparing for a busy summer, even as major construction continues along the western stretch of its popular beachfront.

The R300-million upgrade, which started in February, includes replacing the old seawall and overhauling public amenities. Most of the promenade and beach remain open, but the western corner is fenced off as work continues until December 19.

The City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayco Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews said he visited the site to check on holiday arrangements.

“Many locals and visitors from elsewhere will be flocking to Muizenberg over the festive season as this is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town. I visited the site earlier this week to see how the work is progressing, and to find out what measures will be in place to make holidaymakers’ outing as pleasant as possible, given that the western side of the beachfront is currently under construction.”

He said the upgrades would strengthen the coastline and improve facilities.

“This investment in the Muizenberg beachfront will mitigate the impact of climate change for decades to come, safeguard underground services infrastructure such as sewer, stormwater and water mains, and importantly, improve visitors’ overall experience with new and upgraded amenities.”

Temporary access to the St James Walkway will be available via the western parking area, though it remains unpaved and not wheelchair friendly. A small gravel parking section will open during the builders’ break, and surfing remains unaffected.

Precast promenade sections are being installed at Surfer’s Corner.

“Currently, the large precast sections of the new main promenade and stepped revetment section at Surfer’s Corner are being delivered in batches, and placed, using cranes. This work will continue until 19 December.”

Andrews urged visitors to come early and follow signage.

“We are excited to welcome visitors to Muizenberg this festive season. Best is to come early on the busy beach days, and to be patient as traffic flow to and from the beachfront will be slow during the peak periods. Please adhere to the signage, and stay clear of the fenced off areas, but most importantly, be safe and enjoy yourselves.”

As crowds return, the City will also roll out its Identikidz child-safety programme at Muizenberg and other major beaches. The initiative registers children and issues wristbands linked to caregivers’ details, helping officials quickly reunite separated families.

Mayoral Member for Community Services and Health,Councillor Francine Higham urged parents to use the service.

“We are delighted that we can once again provide this important safety programme on our beautiful beaches and would like to encourage parents to please make use of the service. We all share a responsibility to create safer spaces for our children, and our beaches are no exception especially considering how busy these spaces get over the peak festive season. Identikidz adds a lot of value, but caregivers are still responsible for ensuring that their children are supervised at all times.”

Last summer, Identikidz tagged more than 133 000 children and reunited 302 with their families. The programme will run on selected days from December 15 to January 18.

With Blue Flag status secured again this season, Muizenberg is set for a vibrant, if slightly disrupted summer.

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Cape Argus