A water tanker in Puttadijjaba, Free State, where a lack of reliable services has led to a decline in tourism. File photo (Delwin Verasamy)
The Free State province's ambitions to develop the tourism sector on which many households depend are being undermined by the inability of local governments to provide services, said Toto Makume, the recently appointed minister of finance, economic development and tourism.
“Whether we like it or not, we cannot allow a situation where tourists visit an area and then the next day find that the water is cold or there is no water at all so they cannot bathe,” he said.
He made the remarks on the sidelines of a question-and-answer session with reporters in Paris last Friday.
Makume said the lack of reliable electricity and water supply, plus the failure of local governments to clean up towns, made it difficult for the ministry to encourage tourists to visit the province.
“[Municipalities must] “It should not only focus on the basic needs of the local community and tourists to enjoy, but also those who invest in the area,” he said.
The Free State is one of South Africa's hidden gems, boasting five travel routes: cheetah, lion, flamingo, springbok and eagle. The last route is Mail & Guardian I visited recently.
The Eagle Route is known for its beautiful scenery, rich history and heritage, and leisure and adventure tourism.
These include towns such as Clarence, a popular weekend destination known for its art, Ficksburg, the cherry blossom capital, and Putaditijhaba, the capital of the former homeland of QwaQwa.
The route also offers fantastic mountain views, horse riding, quad biking and zip lining – ideal areas for outdoor enthusiasts – but the poor quality of services means you won't be able to take full advantage of them.
Owners of lodges and guesthouses in the area, which is part of Malti-a-Fofang Municipality, one of the worst-run municipalities in the state, have expressed concern that they will find it difficult to stay in business.
One lodge owner, who asked not to be named, said in some cases businesses have had to buy water to fill their storage tanks because the municipality cannot provide a steady supply.
“I pay about R800 for 5,000 litres and also need a connection to get water. Sometimes I wish it would rain so I could fill my tank.”
They also had to spend R10,000 over the weekend on diesel fuel to run a generator when there was no electricity.
“Even if you can get a place to stay for R700, there's no guarantee the whole place will be filled with guests, so it's a loss. Generators cost money to run.”
But Makume said an agreement had been reached with Eskom to resolve Maluti a Phohun's power crisis.
“Koguta District [cooperative governance and traditional affairs]”Our department, through Treasury, needs to come up with a plan that will enable Eskom to assist us in resolving our electricity issues,” Makume said.
“Regarding water, a committee of the new organisation dealing with water is already on site and the Department of Water and Sanitation is also on site to resolve the issue.”
The journalist's trip to the Free State was supported by the Free State Gaming, Liquor and Tourism Board.
