South African National Parks (SANParks) has earmarked millions of rands for infrastructure development in the West Coast National Park.
This comes after the allocation of an additional R700 million for infrastructure investment over the next three years to SANParks.
The following projects have been highlighted:
- Construction of the R27 entrance gate, West Coast National Park.
- Construction of the park management offices.
- The Geelbek Activity Node.
- Kraalbaai management offices and public ablutions.
- Duinepos – refurbishment of 11 chalets.
These projects will be rolled out over the next three years with handover envisaged for 2026.
SANParks said in a recent statement the upgrade is intended to improve the visitor experience at various national parks under SANParks’ management.
“West Coast National Park is one of the parks that has received an injection of (around) R31 million to upgrade the park’s infrastructure and tourism facilities to ultimately improve the visitor’s experience in the park and also to boost income generation,” says JP Louw, SANParks head of communications.
Development welcomed
The entrance gate next to the R27/ West Coast Road is one of the first that will be rolled out. This is the main entrance gate, and it is also under the most pressure during peak season.
This development has received much praise from the public and locals because the upgrade will drastically improve the waiting times at the gate during peak season.
Chris van Niekerk, a Melkbosstrand resident, says he has always waited very long to gain access to the park.
“This development is much needed and will definitely be worth all the money spent, Van Niekerk says.
SANPark says immediately after the completion of the gate upgrade, the construction work will resume for the Duinepos chalets upgrade. These are eleven (11) chalets based in the heart of the park and they’re one of the favourite campsites inside the park and are most loved by the public. The chalets have been non-operational due to the impact of the Covid pandemic, The remaining three planned developments will be rolled out right after the latter,” Louw says.
