Coastal developments around Cape Town are expected to bring more than a beautiful view.
The hope is that these developments will also curb crime and create opportunities for locals.
This is according to residents from two previously neglected beaches, Strandfontein Fisherman's Lane and the Table View Beachfront, which have reportedly been an eyesore and home to criminal elements in the past few years.
The City of Cape Town is set to run multimillion redevelopment projects to improve the infrastructure.
In Strandfontein, the City has allocated R25 million for the upgrades expected to start on October 31.
These will include the demolishing and removing a section of the disintegrated road and sea wall, extending the existing rock revetment to protect the main parking area, upgrading of the existing parking area, upgrading the western car park and construct a road to connect the picnic area and the car park.
Also on the cards are: upgrading of the braai and picnic area, adding play equipment and a boardwalk through the stormwater retention area, and replacing the dirt tracks in the old braai area and western parking area with asphalt roads.
Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews said, "The project has long-term benefits for the community and tourists with the addition of a recreational area with braai facilities, and a play area for children."
However, he warned the area would be closed during the festive season and fishermen will only be able to use the western parking area during the construction.
Relieved fisherman, Keith Blake, said: "I am glad that after so many years of back-and-forth fights with the City the project is finally coming to life. This will solve the safety issues at the beach as there have been a lot of robberies, thefts and bodies found abandoned,” Blake said.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, said, "The fishing spots along this beach are in the secluded areas. Criminals choose these areas for a reason. Crime hot spots are prioritised by police and additional patrols are conducted frequently for crime prevention."
Patron, Gavin Grosch, added that, "the focus must be on bringing business opportunities and job creation to ensure sustainable economic growth and matching the counterparts such as the Meuzinberg and Waterfront."
Meanwhile, in Table View, the Beachfront project started in July with revamping of the dune rehabilitation. The overall project is expected to run until 2025.
"The civil engineering contract for the upgrade project is currently in the procurement phase. This contract should be awarded by August 2023 if all goes as planned and will include the three new ablution facilities, the new and improved walkway and the new parking areas along the beachfront.
"The vision is to improve the quality of the public environment and any new private developments will be encouraged to contribute to the upgrading of public spaces in the area," Andrews explained.
Resident, Heather Kensley, said: "The upgrades will merely enhance the tourist attraction. With the demolition of the ablutions and levelling of the dunes it leaves very little place for temporary structures to be set up and the beach is far more visible now."