Transport Museum closed, reportedly due to storm damage

GEORGE NEWS - The Outeniqua Transport Museum has been temporarily closed to the public.

A security guard at the entrance informed visitors that the closure was due to the recent storms' damage, but he was unable to say how long the facility would remain closed.

The closure has had a direct impact on local tourism operator Charl Marais, whose popular Powervan excursions depart from and return to the museum. Marais has been forced to relocate his operations to the George Station, which is not ideal because of its current run-down condition.

Marais said he has seen the extent of the damage at the museum, and in his opinion, it does not justify the closure of the entire facility. "There was only damage to the museum door, and a verandah roof outside had collapsed. There is no damage inside. I am worried that these repairs could take months. The procurement of a contractor is a long-winded process in government departments, and then the repairs still have to be done."

He believes visitors would be understanding of storm-related damage and would still visit the museum, even during the repairs.

"If Transnet is concerned about reputational damage, I think it is unfounded. There is so much to enjoy and see. The museum is probably one of the top 10 tourist attractions in George. Transnet also needs to understand that the public, who pay taxes, have to fund losses suffered through closure. I want to urge them to rather be commercially minded and open up."

The door to a storage area was damaged. Photo supplied

Another concerned visitor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she is worried about the winter school holidays that are just weeks away, which is usually a time when visitor numbers increase.

George Herald has approached Transnet for comment and to confirm that the closure is indeed storm-related. Questions were submitted about the nature and extent of the damage, whether the site poses a safety risk to visitors, what the expected duration of the closure is and whether a process to obtain quotations has been initiated.

The newspaper also asked Transnet if it intends to improve its communication with visitors, as there is currently no signage at the entrance explaining why the museum is closed or when it may reopen.

Transnet acknowledged receipt of these enquiries and has promised to respond.

No access for now. Photo: Alida de Beer