Closure of caravan park must be resolved fast

GATES are currently closed at one of the city’s greatest tourism assets, the Richards Bay

Caravan Park.

Incorporating the Imvubu Lodge function and accommodation venue, the location has for decades attracted campers and caravan fraternity members from all over the country, who have unanimously on many occasions rated it the finest of its kind in the land.

Camping magazines have endorsed this opinion, with critics heaping praise on the facility and word of mouth endorsement ensuring it remained well supported.

The park boasts all amenities needed for a perfect holiday, including a community hall, swimming pool and view of the ocean – which can be accessed via a stairway down to the beach.

Imvubu is more upmarket and includes a restaurant, conference centre and a popular bar that also incorporates a sea view.

Functions and fundraisers of all types have been held on the property and it is especially desired as a wedding venue.

Owing to disagreement between the landowner – the City of uMhlathuze – and the lease-holder, the latter was given notice to vacate the property.

This he is in the process of doing, but until the new lessee is appointed, the property simply cannot be allowed to stand empty and be vandalised.

Apart from any private investment that may have been ploughed into the facility over the years, the public are also big losers.

We have heard of functions and accommodation bookings that have had to be cancelled, including weddings – a bride’s worst nightmare.

We call on the city to firstly ensure the prime property is properly protected, and secondly to settle any legal or contractual matters that will slow down the process of a new landlord being appointed so ‘normal service’ may resume.