A local hotel that was extensively damaged during the flooding in June partially reopened on 4 August, said Abel Pienaar, hotel manager at the Southern Sun de Wagen.
The Southern Sun de Wagen hotel’s structure was significantly damaged during the flooding, said Melissa Groenewald, staff member at the hotel which is located in Stellenbosch central.
The flooding caused significant damage to the Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel’s infrastructure and amenities, immediate measures were taken to assess and repair the affected areas, according to Melissa Groenewald, the hotel’s manager. Supplied/ Abel Pienaar.
“Despite the damage caused by the rain, the determined management of Southern Sun de Wagen made alternative living arrangements for their guests in June by moving them to the Oude Werf hotel,” said Pienaar.
The Oude Werf was able to accommodate the Southern Sun de Wagen hotel guests as it was not affected by the flooding, according to Cassim.
The flooding which took place in Stellenbosch in June left many buildings and spaces affected and destroyed, including the Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel. This was according to Abel Pienaar, Southern Sun de Wagen hotel manager. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika
Effects of flooding
The aftermath was a challenging and emotional sight to see, according to Groenewald. “The water was knee high in the rooms affected by the rain [and] we could barely see the swimming pool,” she added.
“I’ve never seen anything quite like the damage caused by the flood at Southern Sun de Wagen,” said Nabila Cassim, general manager at the Southern Sun de Wagen.
Eight suites and four standard rooms should be available again for occupation by 4 August, as these rooms were not badly affected by the rain, according to Melissa Groenewald, a staff member at the Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika
Process of rebuilding
The rain affected the lounge, dining and reception areas, which were in need of extensive repairs, said Groenewald.
Despite the repairs, the aim is to preserve the historic feel of the hotel, said Groenewald.
“We are hoping to finish reconstructing the dining area, as well as the eight rooms which were not badly affected by the rain,” said Groenewald.
The hotel is under private ownership, and as such, Stellenbosch Municipality cannot offer assistance with the reconstruction of the building, said Stuart Grobbelaar, communications manager for the municipality.
The Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel, in partnership with Remgro, is paying for all the renovations, according to Pienaar.
Areas affected by the flooding at Southern Sun de Wagen Hotel need extensive reconstructing and renovations, such as the lounge and reception areas, according to Melissa Groenewald, a staff member at Southern Sun de Wagen. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika