East Coast resorts and caravan park owners along Schafli Road are on the brink of disaster, facing a fate like Mazeppa Bay Hotel, if the road’s crumbling infrastructure isn’t urgently addressed.
In January, the historic Mazeppa Bay Hotel closed due to poor road conditions, devastating the local economy and leaving many without jobs. Although it’s set to reopen in December under a new lease, the same road issues continue to threaten its future.
Iconic resorts like Areena Riverside Resort, Yellow Sands Camping Ground, and Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve have seen sharp declines in visitors due to Schafli Road’s enormous potholes, sinkholes, overgrown verges, and faded markings. Since 2008, camping sites have seen a 40% drop in visitors, while restaurants report a 70% decline, particularly at night, as visitors fear for their safety on the road.
Business owners collectively spent R400,000 last year on road repairs, cleaning, and signage, and must allocate at least R12,000 monthly to maintain the road after heavy rains. These expenses come on top of soaring electricity bills that for some businesses have meant cutting back on staff which has had an impact on financial security of families in the area.
The road’s deteriorating condition has caused 22 accidents and two fatalities this year alone.
Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve’s Graham Stanton said: “The roads are killing business for us,” adding that poor infrastructure was the biggest complaint from visitors.
Jason Leppen, of Yellow Sands Camping Ground, echoed these concerns, fearing for the future of his family’s 60-year-old business. He highlighted that camping grounds in the area have dwindled from 32 to just 11 in recent years due to the road’s condition. Leppen warned that with the N2 upgrade, Schafli Road could soon become a bypass for trucks, placing even more strain on the already damaged road.
Claire Kockott of Driftwood Studios, an art retreat, said blocked drainage channels were causing deep ruts, making the road nearly impassable, especially in the rain.
Eastern Cape department of roads and transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose insisted that regular maintenance was being conducted, though businesses and motorists claim they risked their lives using the road. Binqose acknowledged resource limitations and did not disclose the budget for road maintenance. However, sources suggest the department has only received 5% of the necessary funding for upgrades.
Land of the Living, a local NPO, launched the Schafli Blitz campaign in 2022, funded by local businesses to clear litter, trim overgrown trees, and improve safety on the road.
They’ve also revitalised picnic sites and beaches, funded by Mercedes Benz, to promote tourism.
Those interested in supporting the work being done by the organisation can contact founder, Scott Worley: Scott.worley@onecollective.org..
