Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Hessie Shebe and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See attached pictures here, here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will engage with the Kopanong Local Municipality (KLM) and the Local Economic Development (LED) office of the Xhariep District Municipality to pursue a public-private partnership (PPP) to re-establish the once highly popular Bethulie Resort.
Reviving this key tourism asset will stimulate local economic growth and create much-needed employment opportunities for the Bethulie community.
This municipal resort is ideally located next to the Bethuliedam, with iconic views of the Bethulie Railway Bridge and dam wall. It boasts chalets next to the water, ideal for enthusiastic fishermen.
The precinct also houses a beautiful habitat with local fauna and flora; in time, small antelopes could be introduced. Bethulie is already situated in a tourist-prone area, with Gariepdam and Philippolis in proximity.
In the past, private investors expressed interest in revitalising the resort, yet the plans have gone silent.
The reopening of the resort will bring much-needed jobs to the town, both short-term during construction and refurbishment, and long-term in hospitality and entertainment.