Cape Town has achieved a significant development in the environmental restoration of Zeekoevlei, as dredging activities transition from Storm Bay to Home Bay. This marks a historic moment as it is the first dredging operation at Zeekoevlei in over four decades. Initiated in June 2025, the project has successfully extracted over 207,000 cubic meters of sediment from Storm Bay, setting the stage for the next phase.
The forthcoming focus will be on Home Bay, where an additional 157,000 cubic meters of sediment are anticipated to be removed within the next ten months. This project is a crucial component of the city’s strategy to enhance water quality and rejuvenate the vlei’s ecosystem. By eliminating decades of accumulated sediment and surplus nutrients, the project aims to counteract the environmental degradation that has plagued the area.
Eddie Andrews emphasized the city’s commitment to this long-term initiative, which seeks to restore and safeguard vital water bodies and natural ecosystems. The relocation of dredging equipment was no minor feat, involving the installation of an extra two kilometers of pipeline and the movement of heavy mooring blocks across the water. This intricate process ensures the continuation of the project’s progress.
The dredged sediment is transported through a 6.3-kilometer slurry pipeline to dewatering ponds, where it undergoes drying and storage. The City of Cape Town is closely monitoring the project’s advancements through regular hydrographic surveys. The comprehensive restoration efforts are projected to conclude by early 2027, marking a significant step forward in the city’s environmental conservation efforts.