Despite repeated vandalism setbacks, efforts to restore the iconic Muizenberg beach huts have gained momentum with a further R5,9 million allocated towards its refurbishment.
The first phase of the renovation process began at Surfers Corner early last year with fund-raising efforts and a R3 million allocation from the City of Cape Town.
In the second phase, which commenced on Monday 18 September, 26 double huts and 10 single huts will be refurbished with the expected completion next month (November).
In a statement, the Mayco member for community services and health Patricia van der Ross said once the project has been completed all the huts on Muizenberg Beach will be fully refurbished.
“The City also appreciates the continued involvement of the Friends of the Muizenberg huts, with whom the Recreation and Parks Department has a cooperative agreement around the maintenance and management of the huts.
“The friends group also managed to secure a donation of Everite cladding for the refurbishment project.”
The refurbishment process includes:
The replacement of the ground-floor joists, timber bearers, and roof rafters with treated timber.
The replacement of the sidewall panels and roof covering with Nutec cladding.
The reconstruction of the timber staircase and the installation of concrete bases for the staircase posts.
The reconstruction of timber seating benches inside the beach huts.
The replacement of the timber floor boards and timber doors.
The replacement of all steel bolted connections with hot-dipped galvanised bolts and plates.
Wood treatment of all timber members, repainting the side cladding and roof covering.
When questioned on the actual cost breakdown from the timber to the bolts Van der Ross only responded with: “The average cost per hut for phase two is R96 000 for the single beach hut and R182 000 for the double beach hut.”
She added that the R3 million previously allocated during the first phase went towards the refurbishment of beach huts as well as surrounding infrastructure.
“A total of R3 million was made available to the Recreation and Parks Department for the refurbishment of the Muizenberg beach huts.
“From that amount, R1,54 million went to the refurbishment of the beach huts and the lifeguard tower and an additional R1,1 million went to the surrounding infrastructure including electrical repairs at the Muizenberg Pavilion.”
Angela Gorman, from Friends of the Beach Huts, says they are looking forward to seeing the renovated huts.
“We are delighted the City is doing the refurbishment in time for the festive season. We can’t wait to see the East beach with the new huts in early December,” she says.
Meanwhile, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the beach huts will continue to be a symbol of charm and character for generations to come.
“Through thoughtful design, we will ensure that these iconic huts continue to be a symbol of the area’s charm and character for generations to come.”
