After 17 years of closure, the Reho Spa resort, once the pride of Rehoboth, will finally reopen its gates to residents and visitors.

The recreational site is expected to reopen to the public early this year. 

The once vandalised Reho Spa, which for years has stood dilapidated, is slowly returning to its former glory - offering a venue for family gatherings, visitor accommodation and enjoyment of the area's hot springs.

The Rehoboth Town Council started with renovations and rehabilitation last year, with funds from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development and helping hands from the community.

The first phase, said to be 90% complete, includes renovation of the entrance, swimming pools, ablution facilities, braai area, restaurant, and children's playground.

"The community has really stood up this time around, but I would say that we still need more support because we've not even completed the first phase yet. There's still a lot of work that needs to be done, and Reho Spa itself requires a lot of investment because it has been damaged over the years. But it is, it is the hub. What is it? The heart of Rehoboth is, and it's a gold mine. And for the town council to develop this facility, it will not only be a tourist attraction, but it will have a spiral effect on the town and its economic development," explained Rehoboth Town Council PRO, Desire Pieters.

The second and third phases of renovations will include work on the bungalows and the hot springs.

All renovations are carried out by different local contractors from the town.

Mayor Justine Coetzee said, "At our first meeting in February, we will discuss further plans on Reho Spa, when the first stage opens, and we will communicate directly through a formal minute to the media and the community after we also have to follow protocol; it was back then a tourist attraction, and it will now be a tourist attraction. So the benefit will be that it will boost our economic growth and also bring the type of place where our community members can go and spend time with their families and loved ones doing joy for a day or so."

The community has been rallying behind the Rehoboth Town Council by donating items, from paint to playground material, and beautifying the area with plant life.