The damage caused by the high tides in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, has hit the owners of hotels and restaurants in the region hard. The latter were confronted with a disastrous situation which upset their activity.
The images are shocking: gutted swimming pools, restaurants ravaged by water, uprooted palm trees… The tourist establishments of Grand-Bassam were hard hit by the high tides which lasted four consecutive days. The owners, helpless, witnessed the considerable damage caused by the raging waves of the ocean.
Among them, Hervé Daly, owner of the Kanmindié, observes with sadness the damage caused by the waves: “We had about 30 to 60 meters where the customers came to relax. But the sea came to devastate and dig completely. We had five straw huts, some in straw, others in tiles. They were completely invaded and washed away by the sea.”
The consequences of this disaster have a major impact on the local tourism industry. A client who was planning to organize a business seminar in the region was forced to cancel following the damage: “Everything there was in terms of investment, embellishment, pleasant surroundings… Everything went into the sea. The place is unrecognizable, completely devastated.”
Tourism professionals in Grand-Bassam also suffered significant material damage along the coast. The famous villa of the artist Alpha Blondy, the “Zion River”, is attacked by the waves, while the Maison de la Lagune has lost its swimming pool and its beach restaurant. Customers have canceled their reservations and orders, causing total disappointment for owners who can no longer receive anyone under these conditions.
Although high tides are usual at this time of year, human activity, in particular the construction of ports and the overexploitation of the coastline, has exacerbated the phenomenon of coastal erosion. It is urgent to take measures to protect this tourist region and preserve its natural attractions.
In conclusion, the damage caused by the high tides in Grand-Bassam is a real disaster for the local tourist industry. Hotel and restaurant owners are powerless against these forces of nature and face extensive property damage. It is essential to implement protective measures to avoid such events in the future and to preserve the natural heritage of this region