Mabali Island is not just a destination for relaxation and adventure; it’s a community-centric establishment dedicated to improving the experience of our guests and supporting the local community. One of the significant challenges we face is the 1.5 km offroad patch leading from the main area to Mabali Island. This road, especially during the rainy season, can become quite difficult with mud and expanding potholes. While it is primarily the government’s responsibility to maintain and build this road, Mabali Island has taken it upon itself to ensure its usability, investing time and resources into its upkeep for the benefit of tourists and local community.
The Road to Mabali Island
Overview: The 1.5 km stretch of road from the main area to Mabali Island is an offroad path that becomes particularly challenging during the rainy season. The combination of mud and potholes makes the journey difficult for vehicles and uncomfortable for travelers.
Challenges:
- Muddy Conditions: Heavy rains transform the road into a muddy path, making it slippery and hazardous.
- Potholes: Rainwater fills the potholes, making them larger and more challenging to navigate.
- Vehicle Damage: The poor road conditions can lead to vehicle damage and increased maintenance costs for travelers.
The Road to Bhamala (World Heritage Site)
Along this offroad stretch lies the path to Bhamala, a World Heritage Site home to the world’s second-largest Buddha stupa. The distance from the main road to Bhamala is approximately 6-7 km, and like the road to Mabali Island, it faces similar challenges. The maintenance of this road is equally important to ensure that visitors can safely and comfortably access this significant historical and cultural site.
Mabali Island’s Commitment
Understanding the impact of these conditions on our guests and the local community, Mabali Island has stepped in to address these issues, even though it falls outside our primary responsibilities.
- Regular Maintenance: Our dedicated Mabali team regularly undertakes repair work to ensure the road remains passable. This includes filling potholes, smoothing out the surface, and adding gravel to improve traction.
- Resource Allocation: The maintenance work is funded entirely by Mabali Island. This involves not just financial resources but also the time and effort of our team, who work tirelessly to keep the road in good condition.
- Community Support: By maintaining the road, Mabali Island helps facilitate not only tourist travel but also the daily commutes of local residents. This support is crucial for the local economy and community well-being.
Why This Matters?
- Enhanced Tourist Experience: A well-maintained road ensures that guests arrive at Mabali Island safely and comfortably, setting a positive tone for their stay. It eliminates the stress of navigating a difficult path and allows them to start their vacation on the right foot.
- Access to Heritage Sites: Maintaining the road also ensures easy access to Bhamala, allowing more visitors to explore and appreciate this remarkable World Heritage Site. This not only boosts tourism but also preserves the cultural and historical significance of the area.
- Community Welfare: For the locals living along this road, Mabali Island’s efforts mean safer and more reliable access to essential services, markets, and other areas. This support enhances their quality of life and fosters good relations between the resort and the local community.
- Promoting Sustainable Tourism: By taking responsibility for the road maintenance, Mabali Island demonstrates a commitment to sustainable tourism. This proactive approach not only benefits our guests and the local community but also sets a precedent for other establishments in the region.
The Role of Government
While Mabali Island is proud to support the community and our guests by maintaining the road, it is ultimately the government’s responsibility to build and maintain infrastructure. We urge local authorities to recognize the importance of this road and allocate the necessary resources for its proper construction and upkeep.
Call to Action:
- Government Responsibility: We call upon the government to take immediate action to build and maintain this crucial road. Proper infrastructure is essential for the development of tourism and local communities. Register eComplaint here on this link
- Community Support: We encourage the local community and visitors to support our efforts by voicing the need for government intervention and infrastructure development.
At Mabali Island, we believe in going the extra mile – quite literally – to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests and support the local community. Our commitment to maintaining the 1.5 km offroad stretch from the main area to the resort is a testament to our dedication. However, we also recognize that sustainable development requires collaborative efforts, and we call on the government to fulfill its role in building and maintaining this essential road.
For more information about our efforts and to plan your visit, please call/WhatsApp us at 0303 5958999 / 0341 8437999. Join us in experiencing the beauty of Mabali Island and supporting a community-driven approach to tourism and development.
