There is no reason for the state not to construct a proper tarred road leading to the famous Hole in the Wall, public works minister Thulas Nxesi declared yesterday.
Nxesi was addressing hundreds of potential investors in SA’s oceans economy at his department’s hosting of an investors summit in Hemingways Mall in East London, which began yesterday.
He was referring to the legendary Hole in the Wall situated right in the heart of the Wild Coast not far from Coffee Bay.
However, many online reviews of tourist hotspots advise motorists not to drive at night due to the poor state of the roads to see the natural wonder which, in terms of popularity, is arguably second in the country only to Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Nxesi said such poor access to this landmark should not be the case.
The King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality and the provincial government should prioritise this stretch of road so that Hole in the Wall becomes easily accessible to all, he added.
Nxesi, who hails from the Eastern Cape, told delegates how embarrassed he was when former technology minister Naledi Pandor told him about her experience of the Wild Coast.
She said: “We have not developed our own places. What a beautiful place Hole in the Wall is. If we are to build any road, it should be a road to that place. It is one of the best tourist attractions in our country.”
Nxesi said the conversation was an eye-opener as he had never been to that part of the world, despite being born in the former Transkei.
“I was embarrassed because in all my other activities, I thought I knew 80% of the places in SA.
“We have to address the issue of this bad road, as comrade Pandor suggested,” said Nxesi.
In attendance were senior councillors including Buffalo City Metro mayor Xola Pakati, who also addressed delegates.
In his welcoming remarks, Pakati said hosting the summit provided the metro with an opportunity to modify its dark history of war.
He was referring to several wars fought around East London, including the 1846 War of the Axe.
He said this was a chance to superimpose new moments of hope and triumph on past experiences.
“The reality is that we can sit and ponder ways of developing this city as a council, but they will never be truly realised if our port is not developed and our ocean space is not fully utilised.
“The historical evolution of this city and its economic history is therefore intrinsically tied to our port.
“It thus goes without saying that its future economic fortunes are vested in the Port of East London,” said Pakati. — zineg@dispatch.co.za
Oceans economy an untapped treasure
Image: Sibongile Ngalwa
There is no reason for the state not to construct a proper tarred road leading to the famous Hole in the Wall, public works minister Thulas Nxesi declared yesterday.
Nxesi was addressing hundreds of potential investors in SA’s oceans economy at his department’s hosting of an investors summit in Hemingways Mall in East London, which began yesterday.
He was referring to the legendary Hole in the Wall situated right in the heart of the Wild Coast not far from Coffee Bay.
However, many online reviews of tourist hotspots advise motorists not to drive at night due to the poor state of the roads to see the natural wonder which, in terms of popularity, is arguably second in the country only to Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Nxesi said such poor access to this landmark should not be the case.
The King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality and the provincial government should prioritise this stretch of road so that Hole in the Wall becomes easily accessible to all, he added.
Nxesi, who hails from the Eastern Cape, told delegates how embarrassed he was when former technology minister Naledi Pandor told him about her experience of the Wild Coast.
She said: “We have not developed our own places. What a beautiful place Hole in the Wall is. If we are to build any road, it should be a road to that place. It is one of the best tourist attractions in our country.”
Nxesi said the conversation was an eye-opener as he had never been to that part of the world, despite being born in the former Transkei.
“I was embarrassed because in all my other activities, I thought I knew 80% of the places in SA.
“We have to address the issue of this bad road, as comrade Pandor suggested,” said Nxesi.
In attendance were senior councillors including Buffalo City Metro mayor Xola Pakati, who also addressed delegates.
In his welcoming remarks, Pakati said hosting the summit provided the metro with an opportunity to modify its dark history of war.
He was referring to several wars fought around East London, including the 1846 War of the Axe.
He said this was a chance to superimpose new moments of hope and triumph on past experiences.
“The reality is that we can sit and ponder ways of developing this city as a council, but they will never be truly realised if our port is not developed and our ocean space is not fully utilised.
“The historical evolution of this city and its economic history is therefore intrinsically tied to our port.
“It thus goes without saying that its future economic fortunes are vested in the Port of East London,” said Pakati. — zineg@dispatch.co.za
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