Chapter Four Case Studies

Scope of the chapter

Seven case studies have been prepared for the beaches along the GB coastline. The case study involved taking photographs, conducting interviews with the locals and sketching a beach plan. The beach plan was used to record the distance between the coastline and the nearest structures which were mostly buildings and roads. All case study sites were selected with economic, cultural and historic hierarchy being considered. A questionnaire was carried out to record how far forward the coastline has shifted. The main points noted from the case study were to characterize the coastal geomorphology of the GB coastline. The overall case study has been divided into two areas; The City of Banjul and the Kombos.

Procedure and Equipment

The site visit gave the Author the opportunity to meet many locals who have spent a considerable amount of years living or working by the beach, non-more so than the owner of Radio Syd who kept a series of photographs of the damage caused by the rising tides. A brief sketch of each coastline visited was followed by taking a record of distances between the coastline and the nearest structure. This information was then annotated on the beach plan sketches. Distances between high tide and low tide were also recorded using an analogue meter counter (Fig 4.1 and 4.2) which underwent a simple instrument check. A tape with a known distance was repeatedly measured and compared for accuracy. This instrument is capable of recording readings to the nearest centimetre. A photo file has been compiled of photos taken during the site visit which was integral to carrying out a reconnaissance for the selected case studies. (See Appendix F) All images within the case studies are by the Author.

Figure 4.1 Meter counter with analogue dial. (Red switch resets to zero for a new reading) Source Author

Figure 4.2 Meter Counter/Trundle Wheel Source Author

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Banjul Case Studies

The first observation upon approaching the beach was the difference in perceptive wind and wave strength. There appeared to be considerably less torrential currents along Bund Road, adjacent the gentler River Gambia, than some of the more erosive waves experienced along Radio Syd to Lands office. From the beaches visited and measured during the beach surveys, Radio Syd recorded the maximum distance from structure to high water mark with an average just over 120 metres while the shortest distance was at Bund Road which was less than five metres from the high water mark. (Table 4.1) The average beach stretch distance reclaimed by Haskoning in 2004 is 150m wide.

Figure 4.3 Map of Banjul-Kombo coastal highway pinpointing the beaches visited in Banjul. After JICA (2002)

Table 4.1 Beach Location Lands Office Radio Syd Albert Craft Market GPA Complex Bund Road
Source Author
Case Studies

Distances to coastline Measured from; Department of planning fence line Radio Syd fence line Rip Rap boulders protecting craft workshops Complex fence to shoreline Rip Rap defences were too dangerous to measure

Distance (m) 30.25 126.10 12.28 17.15 2.00

4.1 Radio Syd - Lands Office

The beach behind Lands Office is situated between the east by the West African Examination Council and the Muslim and Christian Cemetery on the west. This beach is presently experiencing severe erosion with a creek forming just one hundred meters away from the Radio Syd building. According to NEA reports (2006) this area had a previous erosion rate of up to 4m/year. This beach has been identified as a site of historic and cultural importance because of the close vicinity of the Muslim and Christian Cemetery. The close proximity of public services such as the West African Education Council and the Lands and Planning office add more weight to this sites socio-economic importance as both education and property business rely heavily on these institutes. Beach nourishment was completed on this beach stretch in 2004 by an international Dutch company Royal Haskoning. This was preceded by a feasibility study which concluded on the historic and projected erosion rates over a twenty year period. The 2010 NEA report confirmed that up to 120m of beach stretch was reclaimed along the Radio Syd beach site as a result of the Haskoning Project (2004). Within this study the Radio Syd/Lagoon measured seventy nine metres from the high water mark. During the site visit which took place in January 2012 the maximum distance recorded from the Lands Office fence line to the high water mark was thirty metres. Notably there is great cause for concern if erosion of this area remains at a constant rate of 4m/year. After the Beach Replenishment Project a creek has formed behind Radio Syd beach creating the Radio Syd lagoon. Prior to the Beach Replenishment Project the main coastal defences were hard defences in the form of Rhum Palm groins driven into the beach and tied together by wooden boards. These ancient groins, built in the colonial days, were located close to the Mens Lodge a few hundred metres east from Radio Syd. They have protected the city for decades but were replaced in 2004 due to negligence and poor maintenance. Four historic photographs of damaged infrastructure, including the devastated old Scouts Headquarters, have been included in Appendix F highlighting the inadequacy of this type of coastal defence. These images provide visual understanding of the proximity of the Radio Syd building to the coastline in 2000 and can be compared with photographs taken during the recent site visits of January 2012. (See Banjul Case Study). Along the beach close to the Cemetery and Radio Syd many trees have been ravaged by torrential waters as shown in figure 4.1.2. The Cemetery and graves closest to the coastline were washed away prior to the Haskoning Project. Figure 4.1.1 illustrates the Lands and Survey Department fence line and a trail track left by the metre counter. According to the owner of Radio Syd heavy winds during March and November increase the rate of erosion surrounding beaches.

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Figure 4.1.1 (left) Sandy beach just behind the Lands and Survey fence line. Metre counter track is visible in the foreground.

Figure 4.1.2 (above) Trees which have been affected from erosive waves.

Figure 4.4 Case Study Sites visited in Banjul. The map above identifies the beach sites in Banjul which were visited and documented. After UK-Gambia (1981)

Case Studies

4.2 Albert Craft Market Banjul to Barra Terminal (GPA Wharf)

This beach is one of great economic importance. The Banjul to Barra Terminal is the most direct route joining the north and western divisions of the country. The beach in this area has a north south orientation at Banjul Point. This region is of particular interest thanks to the flurry of activity that engulfs the neighbouring Albert Market; the citys main market. Two other human activities which are predominant along this beach are local-scale fishing and petty craft workers located just behind the main Albert Market. One of the main landmarks of the country, the State House, is situated just a few hundred metres from the beach behind Albert Market. Due to rigid security a case study could not be completed of the State House, however in January 2010 the NEA produced a reported which stated that the State House fence line measured just fifty one metres away from the coastline. (NEA, 2010) According to measurements recorded in January 2012 the maximum distance recorded from the nearby Iceman ice factory, to the high water mark was less than ten metres. The main types of coastal defences visible on these shores are big boulder stones and tyres driven into to ground as illustrated below (Fig 4.2.1). According to the craft workers interviewed, some of the big boulders have been brought in from Radio Syd and others date back to colonial times when large boulders were shipped in from Sierra Leone. The rocks guarding the coastline at this point have been identified by the local craft workers and fishermen as basalt stone. These large boulders have been complimented by concrete blocks, sourced from building debris of a warehouse previously owned by the Public Works Department; according to individuals interviewed the boulders were transported from the old warehouse site in the early quarter of 2004 during the Haskoning Project. Besides boulders and rocks which form Rip Rap defences there are lines of used tyres which have been placed in an attempt to create a flood barrier for the neighbouring craft workshops. (Fig 4.2.1) Some remains of Rhum Palm trees and concrete groins were also encountered during the site visit. (See Appendix F) Notably most of the rock armour boulders placed here were previously used as Rip Rap defences for Radio Syd. From discussions with the locals it has been learnt that these boulders were taken from a building which was almost engulfed by the rising tides in 2000. Consequently they are less effective in protecting from further erosion. 4.2.1 Tyres used to create a flood barrier to protect the flanking craft workshops.
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4.3 Gambia Ports Authority Complex

The Gambia Ports Authority Complex is based in the Banjul Dockyard, locally known as the Half Die area. It begins from the end of Bund Road and continues all the way towards the BanjulBarra Terminal. The complex is the main port harbour for the country where the GPA controls all port activities on a commercial scale. This makes this site a key area of economic importance. No beach replenishment was carried out in this area as there is very little beach left due to the abundance of port activities, including the Banjul to Barra ferry and the use of several commercial ships to transport goods from the main Dockyard. A large area of reclaimed land has been observed from GIS results indicating that the 13,800 metres squared of land was reclaimed between 1984 and 2002 however from 2004 to 2012 there has been an increase in erosion. After observing the bathymetric map provided by the GPA, it could be noted that the water depths closer to the ports are considerably greater than those elsewhere along the River Gambia mouth. In comparison an earlier bathymetric map, available within the TAMs (1999) Coastal Protection Study, reveals the water depths have increased significantly with deeper waters moving south along the Gambian River. Whereas previously the water was only 100m deep the updated 2012 bathymetric survey map indicates areas where water is more than two hundred metres in depth. It could be suggested that this is due to the GPA relocation from Banjul Point southwards towards Half Die.

4.3.1 Water inside the GPA complex. According to maps dating back to the 1980s this entire area is likely to be reclaimed land. Source Author

4.4 Bund Road

Bund road is a major route for heavy goods vehicles (HGV). This road, bordered by mangroves and water on both sides, connects the Banjul Serrekunda highway with the Gambia Ports Authority Complex. Its close proximity to the ports explains why this road has become one of the most important commercial highways enabling the HGVs to bypass heavy traffic further into the city.

Case Studies

Erosion along this highway appears minimal in the Pre Haskoning period with a significant increase in land eroded during the Post Haskoning period. Results suggest that this area accreted over 16,000 metres squared of land between 1984 and 2002. The distance between the coastline and the road was no more than two metres at the time of the site visit. Along the side of the road are Rip Rap defences and mangroves which have begun to show signs of retreat. The land area most affected within this region is the Tanbi complex; a wetland site of international importance. (See Appendix B Ramsar Sites) To summarise the findings at this site, the main areas affected by erosion are the Tanbi Wetlands. Historically this area has accreted land, however more recently the land has been eroding. In order to ensure the comfort of passengers and the safe transfer of goods via this commercial highway the current state of the road needs to assessed and given adequate protection. Should this not occur it could result in a rise in the number of HGVs using the main Banjul road which could further deteriorate the condition of the Banjul-Serrekunda highway. Currently the road is in poor condition (fig 4.4.1) and requires significant rehabilitation. According to local fishermen interviewed along this coast higher tides create erosive waves which is compounded by heavy rains and this is when erosion is at its peak. During this period water seeps onto the road which further deteriorates the condition of Bund Road.

4.4.1 Bund Road has been reduced to a dirt track due to frequent flooding and high HGV usage.

Kombo St. Mary Case Studies

Three sites have been covered in the Kombo St. Marys region. These are Fajara, Bakau Fishing Centre and Cape Point. From this list only Cape Point has been replenished while the remaining two are beaches with cliffs facing the coast. These beaches are closer to the Atlantic Ocean where the waves are much stronger and more erosive than those within the river estuary. In previous feasibility studies along the Kombo coastline erosion was found to be at a reasonable rate of less than one metre per year.

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Figure 4.5 Case study map of the sites visited in the Kombo St Marys division. After JICA (2002)

4.5 Fajara (Golf Course to Hotels and Apartments)

The beach from Bakau Fishing Complex heading east towards Fajara Golf Course is fronted with numerous cliffs. (See Fig 4.5.1) The cliffs in this area appear to be formed from red sandstone rocks. The beaches from Bakau to Fajara are littered with lots of cliff top debris which are scattered along the coast. Cliff failure is easily visible along this coastline with a series of forward-sloping cliffs towards residential areas. The structures nearest the coast are the beach gardens and Seaview Apartments. The high walls of concrete facing the coast protect the apartments from the onrushing waves at high tides. The furthest distance from structure to shoreline 35m To the east, behind the cliffs close to Fajara Golf Course, are a cluster of beach bars and towards Bakau there are apartments, tourist resorts and residential properties. This beach area is also home to a number of properties of government officials, the Medical Research Council and the British High Commission, highlighting the importance the case study.

Figure 4.5.1 Forward sloping cliffs along the beach of Fajara. The scoured cliff is easily visible on the right of the photo.

Case Studies

4.6 Bakau Fishing Centre

Bakau Fishing centre is at the heart of the Bakau community. The Bakau local market, where women engage in the selling of the fish caught by the fishermen, is located close to the Fishing centre. This fish landing site is the second largest fish commercial site, after Gunjur, with respect to the amount of tonnage landed. However the fish landing site has since been run down revealing an unsafe jetty and a lack of the cold storage facilities. This can have an adverse effect on the fishermen which in turn threatens the level of commercial activity and socio-economic stability of Bakau market. Coastal erosion is a complex issue to resolve especially when lives and properties are at risk. Take for example the village of Maplleton in North East Yorkshire of the UK. In 1991 this coastal town implemented a two million pound coastal protection scheme. Since the completion of the rock armour and groin systems at this beach site erosion has been halted and presently the cliffs are no longer at great risk. However beaches further south are being starved of their natural sediment supply exacerbating erosion on the coastline further south. Unfortunately for home owners further south of Maplleton the reduction of sediment supply earmarked this coast as one of Europes fastest eroding coast at a speed of ten metres a year. (BBC News, 2012) This account is very similar to the case study of Gambias Cape Point and Bakau Fishing centre. The rock armour groins and coastal defences along Cape Point are most likely starving the beach further south of its natural sediment supply. Since the Haskoning Project the cliffs and sediments along Bakau beach have been eroding at an alarming rate. The beach stretch at Bakau has formed a concave shape and is bounded by cliffs on both sides. This concave shape indicates a retreating beach. The coastal profile along this expanse of beach is interrupted by slopes and cliffs. The Bakau fishing depot is sandwiched between two narrow cliffs. The nearest structure to the coastline is the jetty which was constructed in 1960. According to a worker at the cold storage facility, Mr Ngan Bahoum, the coastline was as far back as the jetty front when it was completed. He also commented that when tides and currents are highest the water reaches the fishing depot.

4.6.1 Image of the commercial fish and boat landing site at Bakau.

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4.6.2 Cliffs neighbouring the fishing depot have begun eroding resulting in cliff failure. Concave shape. beach

4.7 Cape Point

This beach stretch is shaped much like a cape giving it the name Cape Point. It is the northern most point in the western division of the country and its pointed cape shape pinches the entrance between the Atlantic and the Gambian River. This particular beach area is well known as a quiet tourist venue away from the livelier and entertainment-packed Sene-Gambia strip. Several hotels are clustered around this preferred tourist location such as the Cape Point Hotel, Sun Beach and Ocean Bay hotels. The UN headquarters is also located within this area. This tourist resort centre is bounded by Bakau on the west and Old Jeshwang on the east. Between Cape Point and Jeshwang is the Cape Creek, a well-known bird watching site. Not far from Cape Creek is located the distinguished Abuko Nature Reserve; a dedicated site for wildlife conservation. This site has been selected as one of economic and environmental importance. On the west of Cape Point the concave shaped coastlines from Cape Point to Bakau can be easily observed from the maps collected. This coastline shape is very common with beaches experiencing severe erosion. Observing figure 3.1 shows that sediment deposition is in a southwest direction from Cape Point towards Kotu. Therefore beaches further south of Cape Point depend on sediment supply from the River Gambia which can be reduced by coastal defences. On the east of Cape Point are large rock amour groins with some measuring 150 meters long. Before the Haskoning Beach Project this area was one of the sites most affected by the rising tides and consequently suffered severe erosion. A Creek has developed between Cape Point and Old Jeshwang which has become an entry point for water into the Kombos and Old Jeshwang. After observing the 1993 aerial photographs along with various maps the influence that this creek has on erosion requires further investigation. The creek has spread eastward over the years and slowly eroding land close to the SerrekundaBanjul highway. Observations from four Terralook satellite images relay the fact that the Cape Creek began expanding between 1990 and 2000. By 2006 the creek had expanded much more claiming more land between Cape Point and Old Jeshwang.

Case Studies

South of Cape Point is a sand spit forming a barrier in front of the coastline. This area is most affected by the rising tides. In 2004 five huge rock amour groins were erected at this site. (See Appendix F) Since then the groins have been accumulating sand deposit accreting 1,200 square metres of land. However surrounding regions have observed erosion. (See Fig. 5.7) Currently Cape Point is recovering from the sediments trapped alongshore via the Gambian River. Notably, since groins trap sediments alongshore they can starve adjacent beaches from their sediment supply needed for natural beach replenishment.

All case study photographs were taken by the Author

4.7.1 ACCC Project Benchmark used during beach replenishment and groins construction.

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Chapter Five Results and Discussion

GIS Results
The results of this project were generated using ArcGIS and Microsoft Excel. ArcGIS 10 was used to digitise erosion and accretion polygon shapes from two different coastlines. The resulting polygon areas where then tabulated on Excel to give the total area of land eroded/accreted for a particular beach site. Thirteen beach sites where covered in Banjul and three were covered in the Kombos. (See Appendix D for Erosion and Accretion Tables) Using Time Series Analysis the results generated gave estimates of the amount of land eroded/accreted before and after the 2004 Haskoning Beach Project which, since its completion, changed the GB coastline. Two main periods considered for this study are from 1984 to 2002, represented by Erosion 1 and Accretion 1 maps, and from 2004 to 2012 illustrated in Erosion 2 and Accretion 2 maps. From the seven coastlines digitised for this study a coastline evolution diagram has been produced for Banjul and the Kombos to give a visual of how the coastline has evolved over twenty eight years. (See Figure 5.1 and 5.2) Coastline evolution maps show how the most significant change occurred at beaches along the south-western part of Cape Point where Cape Point Creek has been formed. With time this creek has expanded allowing more water to flood the Kombos threatening the BakauJeshwang road which connects with the Banjul Serrekunda highway. Some beaches along the GB coastline have observed erosion when previously they indicated accretion. This has been demonstrated in the comparison of Pre and Post Haskoning erosion and accretion trends. Prior to the Haskoning Beach Project the beaches at Cape Point were eroding while the beach at Bakau was accreting. Post Haskoning results indicate that this trend has been reversed since 2004. The main cause of this change could be attributed to the groins located at Cape Point which block the flow of sedimentary deposits moving from east to west along the River Gambia. (See Figure 3.1) The sediment supply of beaches dictates the rate at which beaches are naturally replenished while blocking the flow of sediments can have adverse effects on beaches further west of Cape Point. The changes of erosion and accretion can be observed in figures 5.1 and 5.2 which illustrate the manner in which the coastline has changed over the twenty eight year observance period. Banjul has steadily accumulated more land especially along the Gambia Port Authority Complex while the mangrove wetlands have lost land. Two main sand spits have been identified at Toll Point and Denton Bridge. These regions constantly accumulate sedimentary deposits due to converging river currents from the River Gambia and the Creek at Denton Bridge.

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