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Guest Houses
Green light for Blythedale Coastal Resort
In a landmark land claim resolution spanning more than two years, Blythedale Coastal Resort has been given the green light by the Regional Land Claims Commission. Just 60 minutes north of Durban, this exciting 1000 hectare integrated resort development is one of the first to incorporate a social housing component within its boundaries.
Developers of the resort, the eLan Group held an event on April 1 to celebrate the re-launch of the development. Among the many guests were Deputy President Baleka Mbete, National Housing Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs Mike Mabuyakhulu, iLembe District Mayor Welcome Mdabe and KwaDukuza District Mayor Thulani Khuluse.
The land claim was gazetted in 2005 by the Dube community. Musa Dube who is the chairman of the community said, “We appreciate the sacrifices of all parties concerned, working and meeting tirelessly for one common purpose, to see the realisation of the Blythedale Coastal Resort dream. It is evidence of great maturity in our people.”
Speaking of the importance of the partnership between communities, Government and the Private Sector, the Minister of Housing, Lindiwe Sisulu said the resort was a model of what is possible when all stakeholders work together to achieve one vision.
"Today we celebrate a great private sector, community and Government partnership, the eLan Group was among the first private developers to believe in the Government housing plan, Breaking New Ground Plan (BNG) which lays a foundation for inclusionary housing in which the poor can also enjoy social and economic amenities as the rich. We are happy that the resolution of the land claim has included the community and they are benefiting from economic opportunities during the implementation of the project and are also resident in the resort.”
The final shareholders agreement was signed in February and all ancillary agreements to this were signed by all parties on Friday 6th March. Mark Taylor, chairman of the eLan Group, the developers of the resort said, “There are no longer any suspensive conditions on Blythedale Coastal Resort. Transfer of the development site is anticipated for the end of April this year.”
Rodger Stewart, owner of the farm where the Resort will be developed said, “As custodian of this land for the past 126 years, we feel privileged to have played a major role in improving the agricultural potential of the soil and the lives of our employees.” The Stewart family who are an integral part of the broader community welcome Blythedale Coastal Resort and believe that this is the best economic use of this land as well as a means to enhance the quality of life in the area.
Since rezoning was obtained two years ago, the Blythedale Coastal Resort professional team has met on a fortnightly basis to prepare for the resolution of the land claim. Taylor said, “Now that we have the green light, resources will be thrown at the infrastructure and civils work that is required to fast track the project roll out.”
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WIN!
