Despite the Covid lockdowns and the devastating affect on tourism, ECPTA has continued with several externally funded projects which contribute to provincial tourism, benefit communities, improve our world-class parks, reserves and heritage sites.
ECPTA has eight reserve infrastructure maintenance projects which are on schedule for completion. Funding has been received from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Dedeat), National Department of Tourism (NDT), National Lottery Commission (NLC) and Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF).
We prioritised four projects which are currently under construction at Hluleka, Mkambathi, Silaka and Dwesa Nature Reserves. The Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site Interpretative Centre project was funded by NDT.
The R41.9M Cape Morgan accommodation and office upgrades funded by DEFF are on schedule.
The hiking trail and beach infrastructure project funded by NDT has received R21M. The beaches fall under the local municipalities of Mbizana, Port St Johns, Nyandeni and Ndlambe. Stages 1 – 4 have been completed for Krantz, Middle Beach and Kowie River in Port Alfred. Concept designs and surveys have been completed for Mzamba and Mtentu. Date for completion is March 2023.
Currently under construction are the hiker’s huts at Hluleka, Mpande and Mngazana. Designs for Mngcibe Lodge are in process and awaiting authorisation.
The ECPTA has focused on smaller, though equally important, improvement initiatives that are expected to yield excellent results in both the short- and long term. These involve Silaka, Dwesa, Thomas Baines Environmental Education Centre and Brakfontein.
We are erecting 64km of game fencing, funded by DEFF, at Tsolwana/Commando Drift, Oviston and Hluleka Nature Reserves.
CEO Vuyani Dayimani says the agency is committed to transforming the provincial tourism sector, and these initiatives are doing exactly that.
“When we work on initiatives that are cutting-edge competitive, it allows our province and its authentic experiences to stand out. We work on our offerings to ensure we enhance visitor experiences and position the Eastern Cape as a destination of choice.”
