Restoring Zeekoevlei: Dredging for a Cleaner, Healthier Future

Zeekoevlei, one of Cape Town’s most iconic and ecologically important freshwater bodies, is undergoing a much-needed transformation. At the heart of this initiative is a major dredging project led by our team at Guerrini Marine Construction, focused on revitalising the vlei by removing decades of accumulated silt, sludge, and organic waste from its floor.

Why Dredging Zeekoevlei Matters

Over the years, Zeekoevlei has suffered from the effects of urban runoff, untreated waste, and decaying organic matter settling on the lakebed. This build-up has caused:

• Poor water quality

• Algal blooms and fish die-offs

• Unpleasant odours

• Loss of aquatic biodiversity

Dredging is a critical step toward reversing these impacts. By mechanically removing the sediment, we are restoring the water body to a healthier state, improving its depth, circulation, and oxygenation levels—essential for fish, birds, and plant life.

Project Goals

The Zeekoevlei dredging project is not only an environmental intervention but a long-term investment in the health of the surrounding communities and ecosystems. Our objectives include:

• Removing thousands of cubic meters of nutrient-rich sludge that fuels eutrophication

• Improving water flow and depth, making the vlei more resilient to drought and pollution

• Supporting recreational use such as rowing, fishing, and birdwatching

• Protecting biodiversity in and around the False Bay Nature Reserve, a designated RAMSAR wetland

  
  

Our Role

Guerrini Marine Construction is proud to lead the dredging operation with our experienced crew and specialised equipment. Our approach prioritises:

• Precision and minimal ecological disturbance

• Efficient sediment removal and safe disposal

• Compliance with all environmental regulations

• Close collaboration with local authorities, ecologists, and the community

We’ve deployed a skilled team—including operators, supervisors, and environmental monitors—to ensure the job is executed professionally and sustainably.

Benefits for the Community

This project has far-reaching benefits for the broader community:

• Healthier environment: Better water quality means reduced risk of disease and unpleasant odours.

• Increased recreational use: A cleaner vlei attracts more visitors, promoting tourism and local business.

• Educational value: Schools and universities can use the site as a live case study for environmental science.

  
  

Looking Ahead

Zeekoevlei is more than a body of water—it’s a cultural, ecological, and recreational landmark. Restoring it is a shared responsibility, and we’re honoured to contribute to this vital cause.

Stay tuned to our blog and social channels for project updates, behind-the-scenes footage, and insights from the dredging crew as we help return Zeekoevlei to its natural glory.