Kogel Bay has been heavily impacted by last month’s storms and will likely not open this summer while assessments continue at Soetwater, following its closure due to a burst pipe.
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‘We realise this puts a damper on the holiday plans of many families, but rest assured that we are doing everything possible to get both resorts up to standard and ready to reopen. Both are popular all year round, but bear with us as we are working hard to get them operating at full capacity,’ said the City’s mayoral committee member for community services and health, Patricia van der Ross.
Soetwater Resort was all set to welcome campers for the holiday season, particularly as a R2 million project to replace all electrical infrastructure was just drawing to a close.
However, just before completion, a water pipe burst at the resort last week, necessitating the temporary closure of the facility.
Two leaks were identified in the main water pipe line that runs through the resort.
Notably, these leaks are situated in an area beneath the tar road where 11KV underground electricity cables and fibre lines run, adding complexity to the situation.
The situation is currently being assessed to determine the extent and condition of pipes within the resort and future water-infrastructure replacement efforts will be based on this assessment.
Unfortunately, the resort must remain closed to the public until an intermediate solution is found to stop the leaks, as the water’s flow is compromising the roadway, causing sinkholes to appear.
At Kogel Bay Resort, the recent inclement weather, which resulted in floods in certain areas, has caused extensive damage to water supply systems, the road infrastructure, sewer system issues, damages to solar panels (the sole source of electricity) and damage to the roofs of the ablution facilities.
To accurately address the extent of the actual losses, professional services have been engaged to assess damage, draft a scoping report, propose remedies and provide cost estimates for insurance purposes.
Additionally, the provincial road R44/Clarence Drive, which provides access to Kogel Bay, has also been closed due to excessive road infrastructure damage.
As a result, Kogel Bay Resort will not be operational for the 2023/2024 festive season. However, should the road reopen, repairs will be initiated by the City.
The affected staff members have been redeployed to nearby facilities, including Strand Pool, Sir Lowry’s Pass Hall, Hendon Park and Harmony Park campsites, which are available for bookings.
For information regarding the City’s resorts and their availability, click here.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Supplied