Happy campers
RICHARDS Bay Caravan Park and its associated amenities will officially be reopened on 1 May, with a new lessee in place.
That’s the good news received on Thursday from landowner, the City of uMhlathuze via communications manager Bongani Gina.
This after the previous landlord’s longterm lease agreement was terminated for not having been timeously renewed and for alleged failure to conform to a number of council conditions during his tenure.
“The new tender with respect to the caravan park and Imvubu Lodge was advertised and the lease was awarded to Alton-based Smiso Investments on a market-related monthly rental amount for a period of 35 years,” said Gina.
“The lease shall be registered at the Deeds Office as a notarial lease, with an option to renew.
“In line with the approved use of the facilities, the caravan park will continue to operate all related activities, while the lodge will also continue as such.”
The announcement comes as welcome news to the public, which in the interim was denied access to the amenities, as well as to the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO), for which the park is one of its main attractions.
During the period it was closed following the eviction notice served on the previous lessee, locals were forced to cancel wedding, birthday, corporate and other planned functions, while permanent residents were fearful of their future status.
We are extremely grateful to see it up and running again; it is one of our most important tourism destinations because of the lodge and amenities such as the restaurants, bar, pool, putt putt and, of course, the caravan and camping facilities and the chalets,” said uCTO chairperson Vanessa le Roux.
City issues positive statement on caravan park and Imvubu Lodge reopening
“With beach access as well as wedding and conference venues, the property has much to offer.
“We received many anxious enquiries over the last couple of months, especially from the caravanning community; this will bring feet back into the Bay.”
City Deputy Mayor Christo Botha has been at the forefront of attempts to restore normality for the caravan park, its residents
and patrons over the last year.
"Richards Bay Caravan Park is undoubtedly one of the best in South Africa and with Imvubu Lodge offers a unique experience. Both can be regarded as an integral part of tourism to our beautiful city. Unfortunately, the legal route could not be subjected to shortcuts, which led to the closure of both facilities for a period of time," said Botha.