Page 24 - Bulletin 1 1997

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The construction work proved to be hazardous and arduous because it was being carried out

in open sea conditions with no protection from wind, waves or swell. Over the total
construction period, a total of more than 20% of the time was lost due to unsuitable weather

conditions. During this period of construction, the local fisherman took advantage of the

increasing area of sheltered water being provided by the completed section of the wall, and
there were 16 motorised fishing boats working out of the new harbour, a number of these

being converted sailing boats.

While the construction of the main breakwater progressed, work commenced on the fish-

landing quay. This was a precast block column structure with concrete panels forming the

wall between columns. As sections of the quay were completed, the reclamation or filling
behind the wall progressed to provide the working area and buildings for the harbour

operations. At the same time, the slipway was built complete with a timber cradle capable of

handling a 24 ton vessel.

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On 21 June 1917, Kalk Bay Harbour was declared a minor port of the Union. Construction
was completed in 1918 and the harbour operated in this condition for the next 20 years (Fig.
2.7.)

In 1937 plans were drawn up for a new Northern Mole to complete the protection of the
harbour. The first proposal consisted of a curved mole with three jetties made of piled rail

lines (Fig. 2.8.) However, a straight mole was constructed, with concrete units at the beach

end founded on existing bed-rock. The remainder of the structure was formed with tipped
rock rubble. The new jetty built at the south end of this mole was constructed from braced

timber frames. These new works were completed in 1939 and gave much more protection to

the area behind the main breakwater, and provided additional mooring for the many craft
using this busy little harbour. The total cost of the mole and jetty was £13,650. In 1963 a

larger slipway was constructed next to the original one. It is capable of accommodating
vessels like pelagic trawlers up to 100 tons (minus their nets which weigh up to 20 tons). (P.

Stacey, pers. comm.)

The final main phase of construction work in the harbour was the result of a bad storm during

Easter 1993 when a black south - easter wind brought with it very heavy seas which removed