R12m boost for J-Bay beaches
Kouga Municipality mayor Elza van Lingen announced on Wednesday, 12 October, that the funding could not have come at a better time as the town was busy preparing for an influx of holidaymakers this festive season.
"The municipality received R12.3m through the Department of Environmental Affairs' Working for the Coast Programme.
"A portion of the funding will be used to upgrade facilities at Jeffreys Bay's Dolphin Beach, including the construction of a new lifeguard tower," Van Lingen said.
Dolphin Beach was again awarded Blue Flag status last week, a major feat for the town as it is seen as a tourism draw card.
Van Lingen said they expected the new lifeguard tower to be completed in time for the summer season.
"Tourism is one of the main economic drivers of the Kouga region and our beaches a re one of the main reasons people visit Kouga," Van Lingen said.
About 70 residents would benefit from the jobs created by the project, she said.
The project will also see the construction of a boardwalk, ablution facilities at Pellsrus Beach and a clean-up of the 15km coastalline.
Van Lingen said construction of the project would start next month, and should be completed in April.
Source: The Herald