Roughing it at Utrecht Balele Caravan Park

UTRECHT – For nearly 30 years, Dries Els and his family have enjoyed camping at Utrecht Balele Caravan Park.

However, they couldn’t help but notice the steady decline of the facility to a shadow of its former self.

“It used to be one of the best caravan parks in South Africa, but now the condition of the park has declined terribly,” said Mr Els.

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During a recent visit to the caravan park, he found the ablution block dismal. Light fixtures were hanging loose and the rafters were covered in bird droppings.

“There are two ablution blocks and the men’s facilities at the top of caravan park were out of order, while the women’s side had no toilet paper and only one light worked.”

Moreover, it was not possible to flush one of the toilets.

“The water pipe outside the building was not attached. When I approached management, I was told that they were struggling to get the pipe connected. However, a decent plumber could sort it out in a matter of minutes.”

Mr Els was also perturbed because the main entrance to the caravan park was shrouded in darkness.

“The caretaker lives at the main entrance, and while she has always provided us with good service, you cannot even send your children there at night because it is so dark. And it has been out of service for months.”

An open electrical box, its lid laying a few feet away, posed a serious threat that someone might be electrocuted, he said.

Unkempt lawns among the chalets were also problematic.

“We as campers are concerned about this. I am not complaining just to complain, but I have really enjoyed camping at Balele for many years, and have witnessed the standard of the caravan park dropping year after year. It is very sad.”

The eMadlangeni Municipality was contacted for comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of going to print.

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