In a significant development for environmental restoration in Cape Town, efforts to rejuvenate Zeekoevlei have achieved a historic milestone. After nearly a year dedicated to dredging operations in Storm Bay, activities have now shifted focus to Home Bay. This marks the first time in 42 years that such dredging work has been undertaken at Zeekoevlei, with the initiative kicking off in June 2025.
During the initial phase, over 207,000 cubic meters of sediment were successfully extracted from Storm Bay. The project now continues in Home Bay, where an additional 157,000 cubic meters of sediment are slated for removal in the coming 10 months. The overarching aim of this environmental initiative is to enhance water quality and restore the natural ecosystem of the vlei by addressing the longstanding accumulation of sediment and excessive nutrients that have led to its deterioration.
According to Eddie Andrews, the dredging project is a vital component of Cape Town’s broader, long-term strategy to rejuvenate and safeguard critical water bodies and ecosystems. This effort underscores the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological preservation.
Relocating the dredging equipment to Home Bay presented a complex logistical challenge, necessitating the installation of an additional two kilometers of pipeline and the transportation of heavy mooring blocks across the waterway. The extracted sediment is moved via a 6.3-kilometer slurry pipeline to designated dewatering ponds, where it is processed and stored after drying.
The City of Cape Town is keeping a close watch on the project’s progress through regular hydrographic surveys. With the entire restoration effort expected to conclude by early 2027, officials remain optimistic about the improvements to the water quality and the overall health of the Zeekoevlei ecosystem as a result of these comprehensive restoration activities.