PILGRIM’S REST – There seems to be hope for business people operating in this historic tourist town. The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) has issued new tenders to lease existing shops.
On Tuesday people gathered for a tender briefing for the leasing of premises.
Those who do business on the premises pay the DPWRT rent. Once the new tenders are awarded, people will pay the lease holder for the use thereof.
Residents are concerned about the dilapidated state of the buildings, which are becoming unattractive to tourists and negatively affecting their businesses.
This once-thriving tourist destination has fallen into a state of disrepair, since the buildings were not leased to private entities but by the department itself. It came about after the Public Protector (PP) found the previous leases had been improper. The report into the matter cited the process as characterised by “gross irregularities”. The PP found those who were awarded the tenders did not meet the requirements, while those who met them suffered because of the department’s “maladministration”.
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The remedial action recommended was that DPWRT cancel contracts and embark on a new procurement process.
There was also some relief among the town’s business people as the new leasing tender promises positive results as those who obtain these contracts will be responsible for upkeep and maintenance.
Mr Johnny Reinders, one of the business people in the area, told Lowvelder those who were previously given leasing rights did not have the managerial skills required.
“We want full control of the buildings because we understand the businesses’ needs of the area better than the department. We need a body with a vision about marketing and business.
Our greatest problem is that the department doesn’t have that,” he said.
He added that DPWRT should employ a managerial team to oversee the place. He added that 90 per cent of his business was made possible because of tourism.
“We do not have a sustaining community. Ninety per cent of the townsfolk are low-income earners so local businesses can not triumph out of that. If we do not have tourism, we are stuffed,” he added.
Another prevailing issue is that the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism is the custodian of tourism in the province, but it does not have control over the area, according to MEC Mr Sikhumbuzu Eric Kholwane during the recent South Africa Tourism Services Association conference. That responsibility lies with DPWRT.
Reinders said a notice which was served to business owners to evacuate the premises also scared off tourists. “We challenged that using a court interdict, but unfortunately most people think businesses in the area are not operational,” he said.
When Lowvelder visited the area the BP Filling Station was closed. It has not been operational for a long time and the closest petrol station is in Graskop – more than 10 kilometres away.
Yet, some say business is picking up despite the feuds. Ms Lella Smyth, manager of The Royal Hotel, said some businesses are doing well. “The hotel is doing extremely well at the moment. Of course there are some challenges, like there are everywhere. We have approximately 1 300 guests a month,” she said.
