Lighthouse demolished
LOCALS will not witness the muchanticipated fall of the Richards Bay lighthouse down the dune face and onto the beach below.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has pre-empted that spectacular prospect by demolishing the 39-year-old lighthouse, which stood precariously mere metres from the edge of the precipice, after severe coastal erosion.
The original lighthouse stood more than 200 metres from the edge of the cliff at the time of its construction and a temporary light and structure, commissioned on 1 April after testing and calibration, now guides vessels navigating the surrounding waters.
The temporary steel structure was fabricated locally, while the LED long range beacon was shipped from the United Kingdom.
David Gordon, Executive Manager for Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Lighthouse and Navigational Services (LNS), said the slippage was a unique situation of great concern.
‘The South African Maritime Safety Authority was informed and a navigational warning was issued.
‘TNPA’s LNS division issued a tender calling for specialist advice for the demolition and removal of the structure and four unique proposals were received from well-established contractors,’ he said.
‘The proposal submitted by Atomic Demolishers was selected and TNPA LNS enlisted their services in March.
‘Their proposal involved anchoring the structure to two purpose-built concrete anchors and pre-tensioned cables to secure and control the direction of the structure’s collapse, and the demolition took place under the guidance of a structural engineer.
‘Once the pre-tensioning was completed, the base of the tower was chipped and broken away using a hydraulic excavator-mounted breaker.
‘The tower was collapsed and broken up, and the concrete rubble was transported and disposed.’
Gordon said LNS is working with the City of uMhlathuze to put the necessary services in place for a new lighthouse on a different site.
‘An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is outstanding, however construction of the new lighthouse is expected to begin later this year.’