South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the start of a R370 million upgrading and refurbishment infrastructure programme in Kruger National Park over the next three years. According to Managing Executive of Kruger National Park, Gareth Coleman, SANParks is currently finalising contracts and works packages with successful contractors for civil and building works and this should be completed by the end of May 2022. Contractors will move onsite during May and June 2022. The first results of the investments are expected in the second half of 2022.
Funds for the upgrade in Kruger National Park include payments from insurers, contributions from the National Department of Tourism but are predominantly from an Infrastructure Development Programme allocation to SANParks from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
The tourism facilities prioritised for launching in 2022 include:
- Rebuilding of the burnt Letaba Shop and Fencing.
- Rebuilding of the Lower Sabie Petrol Station also destroyed by fire.
- Construction of the Shingwedzi Main Building Roof which had been removed due to termites.
- Phalaborwa Wildlife Activity Hub (Phase I).
- Shangoni (Phase I) which includes a Picnic Spot, Camping Site and Shangoni Reception facility.
- Punda Maria Tent Upgrades.
- Upgrade of 5 Entrance Gates at Pafuri, Punda Maria, Orpen, Phabeni and Numbi.
- Renovation/Upgrade of more than 110 Tourism Accommodation units at camps across the Park.
- Upgrading of Sweni Trails camp.
- Repair and upgrading of viewing deck at Skukuza camp impacted by termites.
- Repair and upgrading of restaurant viewing deck and handrails at Olifants camp impacted by termites.
Funds have also been allocated to the upgrading of selected Staff accommodation, the resurfacing of identified tar roads, and the re-graveling of selected gravel roads.
Further projects in Kruger National Park will be launched in 2023.
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