The City of Cape Town has confirmed that Kogel Bay Resort and its tidal pool will remain closed throughout the festive season as authorities continue work to restore basic services, including water and sanitation.
Kogel Bay/Aerial Picture and Video/Wikimedia Commons
The facility has faced repeated setbacks since severe storms caused extensive damage in 2023, with repair costs already exceeding R1.5 million, as previously reported by IOL.
Storm damage still impacting operations
During the 2023 storm season, more than 150 roads across the Western Cape – including sections of the N1 and N2 – were closed. Ongoing work by the Department of Infrastructure has since reduced this number to 37, but the impact on coastal infrastructure remains significant.
Kogel Bay Resort suffered extensive damage to its water supply, sewer system, electrical infrastructure, solar panels and ablution facilities. In response, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning issued over 100 emergency environmental approvals within two weeks to help fast-track repairs, such as restoring damaged river crossings.
Repairs completed – but services still unstable
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews confirmed that although the resort reopened briefly in December 2023, unresolved service disruptions forced the City to close it again. The Recreation and Parks Department recorded R1.5 million worth of completed repairs, including fencing, plumbing, geysers, solar lighting and roofing.
The City’s Environmental Management Department officially took over operations in July 2023 and has since been conducting assessments to determine when full water and sanitation services can be reinstated.
Closed for December due to health and safety risks
According to Andrews, the resort cannot safely reopen while basic services remain non-functional.
“In its current state with basic services not being available and amenity infrastructure needing major repairs, a decision was taken to close the resort until service and infrastructure repairs are concluded,” he said.
This closure applies to both the resort and the Sparks Bay tidal pool. Security remains on-site to protect the property, and public access is currently restricted due to non-functioning sanitation and drinking water systems.
Long-term coastal upgrades planned
Looking ahead, the City’s draft capital budget allocates just over R1 billion for the next three financial years, with R413 million dedicated to strengthening coastal resilience. Planned projects include upgrades to sea walls in Strand, Small Bay and Sea Point, as well as improvements along key beachfronts such as Monwabisi, Muizenberg, Table View, Miller’s Point, Soetwater, Kogel Bay, Macassar, Zandwolf, Mouille Point and Granger Bay.
The City has also set aside R1.6 billion for its operational budget for the new financial year.
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