Devastating storms in 2022 and 2023 have left popular coastal resorts along the Kogel Bay coastline facing an estimated R25 million repair bill to restore essential water and sewage infrastructure – a full recovery that is not feasible before the upcoming summer season.

However, a temporary plan to obtain mobile ablution facilities may allow recreational usage at Sparks Bay tidal pool to open for the summer holidays.

Officials from the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Management Department – including nature conservation head Roy Ernstzen, regional head Lewine Walters, and biodiversity area coordinator for Steenbras Nature Reserve Elana Kellerman – recently hosted DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette on a site visit to assess the true extent of the damage.

The extreme weather destroyed water supply infrastructure servicing Kogel Bay Resort and Sparks Bay, while completely washing away the parking area and access road at Klippies Bay.

Explaining the management context, officials noted that the department assumed responsibility of five coastal facilities – Kogel Bay, Macassar, Zandvlei Caravan Park, Silwerstroomstrand, and Blue Waters – from the City’s Recreation and Parks Department in July last year, at a time when Kogel Bay’s water systems were already damaged.

“Two reservoirs collapsed when the storms took place and pump stations and infrastructure were damaged or washed away above Klippies Bay,” Ernstzen explained.

Rocks from the mountain completely transformed the area – some infrastructure simply doesn’t exist anymore. It was a major initial incident and a second storm 18 months later exacerbated the situation.

Walters said they took over management of the coastal resorts to align it with surrounding conservation areas. “Our main priority is ensuring public health and safety,” she pointed out.

“While long-term infrastructure repairs will require substantial capital, our immediate focus ahead of the summer season is finding functional ways to accommodate visitors.”

Due to the loss of water and sanitation infrastructure, the City officially closed Klippies Bay, Sparks Bay and restricted access to Kogel Bay Resort to permitted parking for surfers and fishermen only. Reinstating basic water supply and sewage systems across the affected resorts – without any major upgrades – is estimated at R25 million.

“The high mountain run-off from the two storms completely transformed Klippies Bay and destroyed basic support infrastructure,” said Kellerman. “To temporarily re-open Sparks Bay, we are looking at supplying trailer ablution facilities to provide ablution service for this area.”

At Sparks Bay, while braai areas and building structures sustained severe damage, the tidal pool remains open and is frequently used by visitors.

Permanent infrastructure rebuilds will depend on future budget allocations extending toward 2030.

Meanwhile, overnight camping at Kogel Bay remains suspended. Officials are currently investigating future upgrades for these areas, while Kogel Bay remains open for parking for fishermen and surfers only.

The Steenbras River Gorge and Crystal Pools Hiking trail maintenance is currently in progress and is scheduled to open on Sunday 1 November.