New beach node for Sodwana Bay
Restaurant, picnic areas and shops in store for seaside hotspot.
ZULULAND’S already popular diving location and holiday destination, Sodwana Bay, will soon get an upgraded and disabled-friendly beachfront
The R40-million project will see to the complete transformation of the current node, offering day-trippers a restaurant with sea views, dive shops and retail stores, food outlets, new restrooms, picnic spots, a rebuilt craft market and improved parking lots.
Ecological rehabilitation work will also be implemented to ensure Sodwana’s protected ecosystem retains its ‘sense of place’ as one of iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s ‘ten UNESCO World Heritage Site jewels’.
Thorough assessments and specialist studies have been undertaken by iSimangaliso using independent specialists, including dune, estuarine and plant ecologists and planners.
‘Successful change happens with good planning and public input,’ said Park CEO Andrew Zaloumis.
‘We thank our concessionaires and stakeholders at Sodwana for their inputs and believe that the balance that has been struck between ecological conservation, preservation of world heritage values, user convenience, development and equitable access will result in long-term benefits to visitors and business owners in the region.
Job creation
The development and construction phase of the upgrades will create at least 164 jobs, valued at R4-million.
Additional permanent jobs will come available during the operational phase, 70% of which will support previously disadvantaged individuals residing adjacent to the Park.
‘iSimangaliso is managed for the greater good of the whole system and the broadest range of stakeholder and user groups – locally, provincially, nationally and internationally,’ said Zaloumis.
‘We look forward to heralding the new era of this renowned jewel for future generations to experience and enjoy.’
