Kuta suffers from erosion

Ni Komang Erviani, ,  THE JAKARTA POST, ,  KUTA   |  Sat, 02/28/2009 2:23 PM  |  Bali

Recent bad weather is hampering efforts to protect Kuta Beach in Badung regency from erosion, with the beach losing as much as a meter of sand along a kilometer-long stretch.

The controversial Kuta Beach rescue project was just finished late last year.

"The erosion is triggered by high waves since early this year," Kuta Beach task force chief I Gusti Agung Tresna said Friday.

"High waves have begun eating away at the beach."

Tresna added the phenomenon was an annual one and would likely run into April.

"So far there have been no complaints from tourists about the erosion," he said.

"They seem to understand that it is caused by inevitable natural forces."

Tresna also said he expected the regional administration to reclaim the beach by trucking in more sand to return the beach to its original condition.

"There should be a maintenance program after the project is finished," he said.

"Sand can be added through the maintenance work."

The Rp 300 billion project (US$24.98 million) is expected to protect Kuta Beach from the threat of erosion.

Retaining walls have been built along the coastline to be filled with sand to help retain the original beach contour.

This differs from the construction of wave breakers several meters out into the sea from the beach.

The Japan-funded project sparked controversy because the sand that was used had to be quarried from Geger Beach in South Kuta district.

Activists said the quarrying could damage the environment.

The new erosion has raised concern among local residents, including Wayan Swendi, 43, who rents beach chairs on Kuta Beach.

"The erosion has destroyed the view at the beach. Fortunately there are no complaints so far," he said.

"The tourists do not pay too much attention to the erosion as they keep playing on the beach. Perhaps they understand that it is caused by natural forces."

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