RENOVATING THE BAGPIPE LODGE IN MAGERSFONTEIN

The Bagpipe Lodge located at the Magersfontein Battlefield Museum, just outside Kimberley is undergoing renovations. The Department commenced on 22 November 2021 to ensure that these upgrades and alterations provide visitors with a modern experience of a profound historical event. Today experienced and knowledgeable guides conduct formal tours on the battlefields. These tours allow tourists and locals to have a true historic experience.

As contained in its mission the Department of Roads and Public Works main intention is to provide and maintain all buildings infrastructure in an integrated, sustainable manner. It is also, guided by legislature which dictates that it be responsible for Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA) No. 19 of 2007, and Infrastructure Development Act 23, 2014. It is for this reason that it is project managing this process on behalf of other client bodies.

The Magersfontein Battlefield is 31.5 kilometers south of Kimberley, which has become a bustling, growing area. It was the site of a battle that took place on 11 December 1899, during the Second South African War. Later on this site was turned into a museum. The museum was opened on 11 December 1971, by Hon A.H Voslo – the former Administrator of the Province of the Cape of Good Hope. The Bagpipe Lodge comprises of three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen and living space, with all this, the lodge will comfortably accommodate six people. It comes complete with a fireplace and folding doors which open up to the patio area shaded by a pergola and a built-in fire pit and braai area.
The project scope also includes converting one stall from each the men's and ladies' toilets into showers for the day visitors who might want a quick refresh after adventuring on one of the hiking or cycling trails. The project is nearing completion, of which it is anticipated to be completed by the end of March 2022.