Tidal battle at black rock

The rich and famous do not want a R27-million tidal pool in Umhlanga Rocks in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Oyster Box, which frequently hosts international celebrities, political leaders and royalty, including Princess Charlene of Monaco, conducted a survey among its guests over a three-month period and found that the proposed tidal pool was labelled a "ridiculous idea".

"Tidal pools have a downmarket effect and international guests do not see the attraction in it at all. In our survey, guests said it was the most ridiculous idea ever. Most people who come to our beaches don't really want to swim.

''They want to walk along the beach, dip their legs in the water and enjoy the scenery," the hotel's general manager, Wayne Coetzer, said.

He said the tidal pool would be "hideous with its artificial rocks".

Jon Marshall, of Phelamanga Projects and contracted to eThekwini Municipality to conduct full assessments of the proposed project, said the concerns raised by five-star establishments were included in the social impact study.

"One has to understand that five-star hotels, particularly in this location, have select guests who spend money for less disturbance and for luxury. When there is a development such as this, which focuses on mass tourism, there is a potential for conflict."

The Umhlanga tidal pool was put on the cards in 2005 when the eThekwini Municipality found that the "coastal stretch along the main Umhlanga node frequently experienced limited or no beach area, especially during high tides".

At a meeting last year, when the proposal was resurrected after it was delayed by the 2007 storms, the city said a tidal pool would prevent sand erosion and create a safer swimming area.

The proposal is also aimed at alleviating increased strain on the main beaches by spreading the crowd, especially during peak times.

Two sites were identified for final consideration based on construction requirements and environmental impacts, the city said.

However, a cost comparison study favoured the Lighthouse site over the Black Rock site.

Umhlanga residents, local community organisations and tourism authorities in the area have rejected the entire proposal, saying a tidal pool would ruin the coastline.

DA ward councillor Heinz de Boer said it would also pose a health hazard.

"The pool could be a breeding ground for several contaminants - not least raw sewage, which has spilt onto that very beach at least twice in the past two years," he said.

Marshall plans to complete a basic assessment report within the next three weeks.

The public will have 40 days to respond to the report before a final report is sent to the KwaZulu-Natal department of agriculture and environmental affairs for a decision.