Earlier this month, Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) ran their official launch of the Luphohlo Recreational Park, and its handing over to various communities in Siphocosini on Saturday April 16, 2016.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - May 3rd, 2016 - Earlier this month, Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) ran their official launch of the Luphohlo Recreational Park, and its handing over to various communities in Siphocosini on Saturday April 16, 2016.

The scenic park is strategically located along the northern bank of Luphohlo Dam, and provides excellent view of the dam and mountain ranges beyond. The park, which has already been fenced, has ablution facilities as well as several sitting bays built by STA. Also, a shop that will hire out or sell fishing equipment has also been built at the site.

In an interview on site, while overseeing the final touch ups in preparation for the official opening ceremony presided by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jabulani Mabuza; STA CEO Eric Maseko said the new venture will have enormous spin-offs for Siphocosini communities.

“This new venture will significantly address current socio-economic problems faced by Siphocosini community. Some of these, and which are generally inherent with many other communities, include the prevalence of HIV, high unemployment, income inequality, and poverty,” said Maseko.

Maseko said the launch of this community-tourism project will create and increase employment opportunities in the community. He said appropriate frameworks that will guide efforts to gender equality and increase opportunities for women and girls’ empowerment will also be put in place.

“This community-run venture will create and expand occupational activities for the youth to encourage positive behavior change in the community, and will also empower arts and craft groups from the area, as we anticipate massive traffic to the area,” said Maseko.

People from surrounding areas, such as Mbabane, as well as from other places, for a long time, have yearned for a scenic leisure place that was away but not far from the urban area, hence the Luphohlo Recreation Park is likely to be an instant hit, said Maseko.

The community approached Maseko about two years ago to assist in the project. The organisation started building facilities last year, and has officially handed over the running of the place to a trust set up by the community.

“As much as we funded the project, the local youth also volunteered their time and assisted in the clearing of the land and erecting of the fence, and we are humbled to see such commitment,” said Maseko.

There were a variety of activities that took place as part of the official launch including fishing, a swimming competition by members of the Swaziland Swimming Association, water games for the public, kiddies’ games, among others. Maseko encouraged members of the community as well as leisure seekers from surrounding areas and cities to attend the event, and witness the birth of a new leisure hotspot in the country.

###