The 21st Century
The new millennium also brought new opportunities and developments
to Hondeklip Bay. Procedures are already in place to extend the
Namaqua National Park to the coast. This extention involves the area
between the Groen River Estuary and the mouth of the Spoeg River just
south of Hondeklip Bay. Much of this section of coastline is unspoiled
and here visitors can observe the rich and fascinating inter-tidal life that
frequents the nutrient-rich Benguela Current. Near the mouth of the
Spoeg River are caves with more archaeological treasures. To the
community of Hondeklip Bay this will bring new opportunities for
sustainable development and a more dependable tourism orientated
industry. A budding kelp harvesting industry is already operating and
almost entirely self-sufficient. An abalone farm has been established at
the old crayfish factory site and plans are in place to extend the project.
Poverty alleviation projects are being initiated to create short-term jobs
as an interim measure while long-term projects are being developed.
These projects also benefit the community as the jobs focus on
cleaning up, building of houses, schools, construction of roads, sports
grounds, and other recreational facilities and public infrastructure.