MOSSEL BAY NEWS - 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 R12,7-million capital investment is in line with the provisions of the National Ports Act of 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 port infrastructure.

Time frames

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 and the construction is planned for completion before the December festive season.

Mossel Bay port manager Shadrack Tshikalange said, "Customer satisfaction and the improvement of port facilities form 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 impact of Covid- 19 on the tourism sector, the enhancement and beautification of the area will provide Mossel Bay with an opportunity to strongly market the region as a tourist destination of choice.

This could lead to an increase in tourists, not only in the port of Mossel Bay but across the Garden Route.

Other upgrades

The existing sewer system in the port has also been under pressure over the years due to the increasing number of local visitors and tourists, especially during the holiday season.

To ensure that visitors have a favourable experience during the busiest time of the year, port management decided to include the upgrade of the sewer system as part of this project.

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