Willard Beach gets a makeover fit for tourism courtesy of Balwin Properties [Watch]

A smart new entrance to Willard Beach now greets residents and tourists with the completion of renovations to the tune of R1.35 million.

The Willard Beach lifeguard tower and surrounds have been in need of a makeover for a number of years as it continues to be Ballito’s most popular beach.

As part of an agreement with KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), Balwin Properties undertook the project and made the extensive upgrades.

“As a company, we always strive to be a part of the communities we develop in. We understand that working with the municipality is important to getting these types of projects off the ground,” said Balwin Properties general manager, Kyle Gallagher.

In following this, Balwin Properties subcontracted almost 40% of the construction to local emerging contractors which equates to about R534 000.

The upgrade is the second in an ongoing relationship, after Balwin Properties upgraded Thompson’s Bay in 2019.

That project included a refurbishment of the ablutions, lifeguard and shower facilities as well as a repair of the unsafe storm-water outlet.

The Willard Beach upgrade includes some similar changes and the existing showers, electrical components, doors, kitchen, bathrooms and change rooms were all either repaired or replaced.

Additional showers, flowerbeds, tiling and a staircase to the beach were all included as well.

Aside from the cosmetic, 3 skips full of sand were removed from the stormwater system below the walkway which was consistently blocked and new waterproofing measures have also been put in place to ensure the upkeep of the lifeguard tower.

“Everything from the garage to the first-aid room have been upgraded. It obviously looks much better, but it also makes the process of saving lives more streamlined if there is an emergency at the beach. The lifeguards and I are so happy about these changes,” said KDM lifeguard superintendent, Bongani Xulu.

The impact that the upgrades will have on tourism were not lost on the KDM officials and local ward councillors who attended the unveiling.

“I think we all know that The Ballito Pro is so important to this community, so to have a world class facility makes a huge difference from a tourism perspective,” said Ward 6 councillor, Tammy Colley.

Ballito has always had enviable coastline beauty, but as upgrades continue to be made, the infrastructure is starting to match.

“This is a place for tourists and locals. You can now do a wonderful walk all the way along the coastline here, we hope this partnership can continue into the future,” said chairperson of the portfolio committee for infrastructure at KDM, Thulani Ntuli.

Balwin Properties is the developer of Ballito Hills Lifestyle Estate.

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