Sion Hill Bay erosion being tackled by residents

Concerned with the rate of erosion taking place at Sion Hill Bay, measures are being put in place to mitigate the effects.

One of the steps being taken is the placement of hard cement as a first step to dealing with those areas which are most prone to erosion. Spearheading the drive to save what is left of the beach, is community activist – Leroy Llewellyn.

“Erosion of the beach area has always been a problem, and now with the changing environmental factors, the matter is becoming more pronounced,” Llewellyn said. Pointing to one of the areas where the cement sacks have been placed, Llewellyn agreed that thus far, the move has proven effective.

“I must say that the bags are working, as the water comes up and reaches the bags, it cannot go any further,” Llewellyn observed.

He revealed that idea to use the bags as a sea defence mechanism, was that of Osmond Davy, a member of the Sion Hill community, and one who has a vested interest in the preservation of the Sion Hill Bay.

“We are also working with the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority to have the mangrove swamp going again, as this would help in the mitigation process as well,” Llewellyn informed.

Llewellyn noted that efforts are however being obstructed as some persons are still engaging in the removal of sand from the beach.

“We are asking such person or persons to desist from this as we are on one hand trying to save the beach and there are others who are working against us,” he lamented.

Llewellyn indicated that efforts to reduce erosion are part of a wider engagement in which he, Davy and others have embarked on a beautification exercise of the Sion Hill Bay area.