GQEBERHA – The popular Willows Holiday Resort along the Gqeberha coastline will remain open for business as usual this holiday season, despite a blaze that destroyed its maintenance structure and laundry area.
Fortunately, none of the 13 thatched-roof rondavels at the resort caught fire. The conference centre and other accommodation facilities were also undamaged.
The property, which is operated by Madiba Bay Resorts, is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations along the beachfront.
According to resort general manager Lesley Daweti, a veldfire that initially started on the landward side from the Summerstrand area on Thursday quickly spread towards the resort due to high winds. “The fire jumped the road and within minutes was at the back of the maintenance blocks and laundry area,” he said.
Daweti praised the firefighters who ensured the damage was contained and prevented it from spreading to the thatched-roof rondavels.
Washing machines, dryers and bedding for both Willows Holiday Resort and Willow Grove were damaged. According to Daweti, they were fortunate to restock the bedding with suppliers’ assistance and have since set up a temporary laundry room at Willow Grove.
Daweti said they are still awaiting the assessor’s report, but he estimates the damage could exceed one million rand.
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