By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The Kruger National Park(KNP) has made significant progress in its road maintenance and infrastructure refurbishment efforts.
According to an update by the South African National Parks(SANParks), infrastructure investment and roads maintenance are priorities that are considered critical factors in the enhancement of customer experience.
“We are pleased to report that our infrastructure refurbishment projects are steaming ahead, with many facilities already completed and operational,” said Ike Phaahla, spokesperson for Kruger National Park.
Phaahla said this project which also encompasses tourism facilities was started in July 2022 and is targeted to reach its completion by June 2025.
“ The current infrastructure refurbishment projects have created over 1000 new jobs and continues to offer neighbouring SMMES’s an opportunity to transact with the park, which bodes well for the development of our rural economy and good neighborliness,” he said.
Phaahla said projects that are refurbished, completed and operational include the Letaba Shop, Lower Sabie Petrol Station, Sweni Trails Camp, and various tourism units at Skukuza and other camps including Skukuza Wild Fig Guest House and Skukuza tourism units. The viewing decks at Skukuza Rest Camp and the restaurant at Olifants Camp are also completed after being impacted by termites, as well as the construction of the Shingwedzi Restaurant Roof.
Ongoing projects include the Phalaborwa Wildlife Activity Hub, upgrading of staff accommodation at Skukuza, Satara, Malelane, Crocodile Bridge and Olifants Rest Camp, Phabeni K9 and staff housing at Skukuza is nearly completed.
Phaahla said SANParks has purchased two graders and is in the process of contracting additional capacity to expand its ability to maintain all gravel roads across the park.
According to Phaahla, roads that have been bladed so far include H2-2, S25, S28, and many more.
“ SANParks is in the process of finalising contracting of additional capacity of yellow equipment which is intended to meaningfully expand ability to routine maintain al gravel roads across the KNP. Professional Engineers consultants have been appointed to undertake the structural designs of the bridges on the roads damaged by flood, such as Road H4-1(between Skukuza and Lower Sabie Rest Camps) and Road H1-2(between Skukuza Rest Camp and Tshokwane picnic spot).
In conclusion, Phaahla said the consultants have completed the assessment and concept designs of the above-mentioned works.
“ Road repairs are prioritised based on the extent of usage by park visitors. Meaning that roads utilised most are given priority attention,” Phaahla said.
