Am Elephant that was seen roaming around Matsulu
Fence assessment at Mats
By Kopano Dibakwane
A physical assessment of the Kruger National Park(KNP) fence from Numbi Gate, alongside communities adjacent to the park including Matsulu, was conducted by SANParks(South African National Parks) and MTPA(Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency).
This comes after a number of Elephants were seen roaming around Matsulu and community members feasted on.
This assesment was reportedly undertaken by a team of scientists and conservation officials, in the form of Section and Regional Rangers, following reports of elephants venturing into the communities to feed while sparking fears of wild animals causing damage to crops and injuring members of the community.
According to SANParks Head of Communications, JP Louw, the observation concluded that there is a need to send technical teams to the area to finalise the scope of work and have a constructor on site from April 2024. He also said that the construction of the fence is expected to take at least eight months.
“ The initiation of this project is consistent with SANParks’ overall approach of building and solidifying relations with communities adjacent to national parks. Discussions with communities and key stakeholders are in the pipeline to co-develop the building program and construction.
“ Engagements with communities and stakeholders are intended to facilitate dialogue and guidance as well as buy-in to safeguard the fence from being vandalised,” said Louw.
