Socio-economic impact of the route

• With the development of the Lake !Gariep Tourism Route, various tourism related projects around the lake were identified to alleviate poverty and to create unique tourism products.
  At Venterstad the Gariep Municipality received a sum of R2,8 million for the Lake !Gariep Tourism Project in Venterstad and Oviston. With this funding the following projects were funded:
  
  
  • The upgrading of the caravan park at Oviston. The resort has been revamped and is now known as Lake !Gariep Resort.
    
    
  • Fishing project: This project is co-ordinated by a group of 24 local fisherman. They have received training from Rhodes University of fishing with nets.
    
    
  • House boat project: This project specialises in manufacturing in house boats. One house boat has been completed and will be launched during September.
    
    
  • Cultural Centre: On the farm Kareefontein, where the town of Venterstad was established nearly a century and a half ago a Cultural Centre was built. This Centre is a place of heritage, art and beauty. Steeped in history, the Centre will attract visitors with its stories on the legends of the area.
    
    
  • Kuyasa Arts and Craft Project: Kuyasa is a dual purpose Centre for the aged and children under 5 years. The people received training on arts and craft. The project is also currently running a daycare centre for over 30 children in the Oviston Clinic building.

At Bethulie, The house of Litema, is a group of women who produce unique and traditionally hand-manufactured items. They create unique beadwork which are sold at the tourism office. The tourism office is privately owned and is a good example of a private investor who reaches out to the community to create job opportunities and alleviate poverty.

At Gariep Dam, the Hydro Weavers group was established through funding by the LEDF programme. This project developed into a larger Craft Centre and through funding by the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, a Tourism Centre was built in which handcrafts of local crafters are sold.