Road, parking upgraded near the old yacht club
The Port of Mossel Bay will soon have a newly resurfaced road and parking spaces between entrance number 1 and the Mossel Bay Yacht and Boat Club premises, an area known as the recreational area, where restaurants and other tourist attractions are located.
This R12.7million capital investment is in line with the provisions of the National Ports Act 2005, which mandates Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) as the owner, manager, controller and administrator of ports to ensure the port’s efficient and economic functioning, through planning, providing, maintaining and improving of port infrastructure.
The road has been repaired over the years. The pavement has, however, reached a state of disrepair that necessitates a major road upgrade. The site establishment commenced in January 2021 and the construction is planned for completion before December 2021 festive season.
Mossel Bay port manager Shadrack Tshikalange said: “Customer satisfaction and the improvement of port facilities forms part of TNPA’s core functions and as one of the key role players in the port system, we want to ensure we provide the best service to our customers, port visitors and stakeholders. The intention is to resurface the area and formalise the parking space. It will lead to attracting and catering for an increased number of port visitors.”
As part of the envisioned outcomes of the project, a total of 115 vehicle parking bays will be created.
Contribution to tourism
Following the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the tourism sector, the enhancement and beautification of the area will provide Mossel Bay with an opportunity to amplify its efforts to market the region as a tourist destination of choice. This could lead to an increased tourist footprint, not only in the port of Mossel Bay but within the Garden Route.
The existing sewer system in the port has also been pressured over the years due to the increasing number of local visitors and tourists, especially during the holiday season. To ensure a favourable visitor experience is created and maintained during the busiest time of the year, port management decided to include the upgrade of the sewer system as part of this project.