Visitors to L’Agulhas will soon be able to enjoy not only the natural beauty and splendour found at the most southern point of Africa, but also top-class facilities. which include a restaurant, curio shop and conference facilities.
The construction of these facilities, along with ablution facilities, offices and such are part of the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct Project.
The National Department of Tourism invested R54,9 million in this project in the Agulhas National Park to ensure the site remains attractive to visitors and supports tourism development in the surrounding communities.
It is one of many projects implemented by the National Department of Tourism across the country as part of the Tourism Sector Master Plan’s objectives to stimulate demand by investing in new and maintaining existing tourism infrastructure and attractions.
The construction of these facilities form part of Phase 2 of the development in the Cape Agulhas National Park. Phase 1 was completed in 2018 at a cost of R14 million. It included the construction of the iconic Map of Africa monument, a 1 km road, terrain rehabilitation and boardwalk realignment.
Last week, National Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, along with Overberg District Municipality mayor Alderman Sakkie Franken, Cape Agulhas Mayor Paul Swart and various councillors from the region visited the development to inspect the progress on site and impress on all stakeholders the importance of working together to grow the country’s tourism offerings.
The project has employed 77 people, including 48 youth and two people with disabilities from the region during construction, while eight sub-contractors from surrounding communities were also employed on the project.
“Investment in infrastructure by government shows the private sector we are serious about growing our tourism offering,” said De Lille, “and by government investing we are creating conditions conducive for further investment by the private sector.
“As a top tourist destination we remain committed to diversifying constantly and growing our tourism offering so we remain an attractive destination that keeps visitors coming back.”
All stakeholders – the Department of Tourism, SANParks, the Cape Agulhas and the Overberg District Municipalities – were pleased with the progress made on site and agreed to continue working as partners to ensure this project continues to benefit this area for many years to come.
“We must work together to ensure its continued success,” De Lille said, “and ensure the attraction is properly maintained and looked after, so it can bring economic benefits to tourism and the surrounding communities.”
The overall progress on site is now at 73%, and it is anticipated the project will be completed by June.
