The Lighthouse Precinct Project is a collaboration between the Department of Tourism and SANParks that will see Agulhas National Park undergo a series of developments in order to boost tourism numbers and job creation in the Overberg area.
Enhancements to Agulhas National Park will include an ocean-view restaurant and conference centre.
Also read: 10 of the most beautiful lighthouses along Western Cape’s coastline
According to IOL, Deputy Tourism Minister Amos Fish Mahlalela visited Agulhas National Park to assess progress on the department’s infrastructure development programme at the park’s Lighthouse Precinct.
According to Mahlalela, the Department of Tourism hopes to increase tourism numbers in the Overberg area through product enhancements at Agulhas National Park, as Cape Agulhas is a unique location as the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as the southernmost tip of Africa.
‘The Department of Tourism is excited to partner with SANParks on this tourism enhancement project as both phases 1 and 2 serve as a springboard for further tourism developments and job creation in the Overberg region,’ said Mahlalela.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a nature-filled glamping stay for four in the Overberg for R1 200 (valued at R1 500). Get it here.
According to the department, in 2016, it signed an agreement with SANParks for tourism enhancements at Agulhas National Park, which included the construction of the iconic Map of Africa monument, a 1km-long road, terrain rehabilitation and boardwalk realignment. Phase one of this R14-million project was completed in 2018.
‘The second phase, namely the Lighthouse Precinct Project, commenced in 2017. It includes a 60-seat ocean-view restaurant, a reception area, an interpretive centre, a curio shop, vendor stalls, paving and walkways and a conference facility. This project is set to be completed by early 2024,’ said the deputy minister.
The department stated that it provided a budget of R54 740 000 for phase two, with SANParks acting as the implementing agent. It said that the project is 43% complete, employing 88 locals, 62 of whom were women and 52 of whom were youth.
According to IOL, the department said that for tourism to fulfil its mandate of being one of the main economic drivers and a significant generator of jobs and revenue, it has been at the forefront of the commissioning and construction of destination-enhancement tourism facilities through its Working for Tourism programme to promote economic empowerment, employment opportunities and skill transfer.
Also read:
Picture: Sebastian Wohlrapp / Facebook
