PILGRIM’S REST – The DA in Mpumalanga is taking the provincial government to task for what is described as a serious neglect of heritage assets.
This neglect has a serious, effect on the commercial value of Pilgrim’s Rest as an important tourism attraction in the region, says the DA.
This follows a recent inspection of the town as well as the adjoining reduction works by DA member of the provincial legislator, Mr Bosman Grobler.
Serious neglect and illegal mining have reduced this once world-class museum of the local history of mining, into a rubble site.
In a media statement issued on Tuesday, the DA said the Mpumalanga MEC for public works, roads and transport, Ms Dumisile Nhlengethwa, had admitted in a legislature sitting earlier that day that the tourist town of Pilgrim’s Rest had become a stepchild of her department.
“In 2012, the Public Protector confirmed corrupt practices in the issuing of new shop leases, flawed tender practices and a lack of responsiveness by public works, yet to date nothing has been done by the department as officials chose not to follow the recommendations,” read the DA statement.
The town remains neglected.
On Tuesday, the DA asked the MEC what her plans were moving forward or what had been done since the Public Protector’s findings.
Nhlengethwa admitted that Pilgrim’s Rest was abandoned by public works, and she referred to an executive council (Exco) resolution which involved her department, Cogta, the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, and the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation.
The MEC said according to the Exco resolution, there were plans to revive Pilgrim’s Rest, but she failed to say when.
In the meanwhile an action group under the auspices of Kruger Lowveld Tourism, Mpumalanga Heritage and various other stakeholders, sought a high-profile meeting with all government departments involved with the town.
This was to establish a unitary body to decide upon and ensure a sound future for the town as heritage and tourism assets.
Though several meetings to achieve this was held last year, a clear lack of interest from government has been shown thus far, said Mr Duncan Ballantyne, chairman of Mpumalanga Heritage.
Mpumalanga Heritage is a registered member-based civic organisation for the protection of the province’s heritage assets.
“What is happening at Pilgrim’s is an absolute scandal. It is a pity that this has became a political issue, but all possible avenues should now be exploited to save the situation,” Ballantyne said on Wednesday.
