Parking upgrade completed at Jeffreys Bay Main Beach

Hattingh Bornman (Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor) and Bawinile Mvinjane (Kouga Community and Safety Services).

JEFFREYS BAY - Kouga Local Municipality has completed a R1.75 million infrastructure project to upgrade parking at the Jeffreys Bay Main Beach, providing a more durable, accessible and organised parking area for residents, visitors and businesses.

The project, completed at a cost of R1 749 552.50, involved the supply and installation of 80mm paving in the Jeffreys Bay Central Business District (CBD).

Strategically located at the Main Beach, the upgraded area provides improved parking and access to one of Jeffreys Bay’s most popular recreational and tourism precincts, as well as surrounding restaurants, shops and the Jeffreys Bay Water Park.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said the completed project represents an important investment in local infrastructure and the overall visitor experience.

“Jeffreys Bay is one of Kouga’s flagship tourism destinations, and ensuring that our public infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of residents, businesses and visitors is essential,” said Bornman.

“This project has transformed a previously unsurfaced parking area into a more durable and organised paved space. It improves access to the Main Beach while also supporting the businesses and attractions in the surrounding CBD.”

Bornman said investment in parking infrastructure was particularly important in a coastal tourism town such as Jeffreys Bay, where visitor numbers increase significantly during peak holiday periods and major events.

“Good parking infrastructure is an important part of the overall visitor experience. When people arrive in Jeffreys Bay, they need safe, accessible and well-maintained spaces where they can park and easily access the beach, restaurants, shops and other attractions,” he said.

The project included the installation of 80mm paving, resulting in a stronger and more durable surface while improving the overall appearance and functionality of the area.

Additional parking bays have also been provided to help address demand generated by the Main Beach, surrounding businesses and tourism facilities. The improved parking layout creates a more orderly environment for motorists and pedestrians while enhancing access to the surrounding attractions.

The parking upgrade forms part of Kouga Local Municipality’s broader efforts to improve the functionality, accessibility and safety of the Jeffreys Bay CBD.

These improvements include the widening of sidewalks in selected areas to create additional pedestrian space and improve movement through the CBD. The introduction of raised intersections at key locations further contributes to pedestrian safety by encouraging lower vehicle speeds and strengthening the connection between pedestrian and vehicular areas.

Bornman said the combined infrastructure improvements would contribute to making the CBD more functional and welcoming.

“This investment not only benefits our residents but also supports local businesses and tourism. It contributes to making the Jeffreys Bay CBD a more attractive, functional and visitor-friendly destination,” he said.

The municipality’s investment in upgraded paving, additional parking, improved pedestrian facilities and raised intersections is aimed at creating infrastructure that is safer, more accessible and built to withstand the demands placed on public spaces.

The completed project further supports Jeffreys Bay’s position as a leading coastal tourism destination while improving the experience of residents, visitors and businesses using the Main Beach and surrounding CBD.