KZN tourism officials have stepped up to ensure that the road between Harrismith and Oliviershoek Pass (R74) will be repaired as a matter of urgency to prevent further closures of tourism establishments in the area.
Bheko Madlala, Spokesperson for KZN Tourism, told Tourism Update the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu, and his counterpart from the Free State recently met to discuss the impact of the state of R74 on tourism. “It was agreed that this and other issues would be dealt with by a technical task team led by the heads of departments from both provinces. The department values the contribution that is made by the tourism industry to the provincial economy and will do everything within its means to ensure that this matter receives the attention it deserves. It is because of this reason that we have put the matter at the summit of our list of priorities. We want this matter to be resolved as speedily as possible, working with our counterparts in Free State.”
The bad state of the road has led to the closure of a number of guesthouses, including the popular Little Switzerland Resort and Sungubala Lodge, as tourists are currently avoiding the area. The road is the main access to the northern uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage site and at least 100 tourist attractions.
Tourism establishments in the area have reported dwindling tourism numbers as a result of the deteriorated state of the road and the bad publicity that surrounds it. Petre Theron, ATKV Drakensville, says: “Tourism in the area has suffered a severe blown, especially the pass-through tourist, those coming for a day or a one-night stay. The caravanners over weekends decreased by at least 25%. Caravanners from the KZN south coast, passing through to Gauteng came to a complete standstill. Overall, I would say that occupation decreased by 12%.”
Jean Carte, owner of the Montusi Mountain Lodge, says the Free State Provincial Administration has neglected to make arrangements for the repair of the road after a collapsed construction contract in 2010. “Our area of the Northern Drakensberg has lost customers as a result,” says Carte. She urges tourists to visit the area as only 15km of the roads are in a bad state. “It is quite safe to use this route in daylight, travelling at slow speeds over the 15km. The views are spectacular,” she says.
“The poor condition of the road is negatively impacting tourism businesses in that area, but this is mostly due to the perception amongst tourists that the road is impassable when travelling to the area,” explains Matthew Drew, N3 Gateway. He says the truth is the 15km stretch of the R74 is drivable. “If you are cautious, drive slowly.”
According to Gary Ronald, AA Head of Public Affairs, the Free State has a budget to rebuild the 20km section from the KZN border into the Free State, but a contractor has not been appointed yet. He explains it is believed a contractor will be appointed in the next few months to start work mid-year. “What really gets me though is that MEC Komphela in last years’ budget speech (March 23, 2012) specifically listed this road as one that would be sorted. A year later….”
Click here to view a road report from the R74.
