SANParks removes five redundant man made water point structures in Kruger National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has begun to demolish five redundant artificial water structures found in the northern and central areas of Kruger National Park as part of a long term rehabilitation program on 27 November 2016. The removal is planned to be finished by 09 December 2016. Explosives will be used to demolish these structures; after which the rubble will be removed and re-used as part of the rehabilitation process.

Structures scheduled for the operation include:

• Sirheni Dam – it was breached by the 2012 floods and partially demolished in October 2015 but work was not completed
• Langtoon Dam  – in the Vlakteplaas Ranger Section, this was breached in 2008
• Ngotso and Bangu Weirs – along the S89 and the old main road S90 in the Houtboschrand Ranger section
• Gudzani north windmill located along the S90 and S41 roads also in the Houtboschrand Ranger Section

The following safety measures will be put in place during the operation:

• The area around the targeted structures will be cleared to ensure animals and human are safe
• All roads in the areas will also be temporarily closed
• Working on Fire, SANDF and Ranger teams will be on standby to extinguish any wild fire that might arise
• An aerial flight will be dispatched to the area immediately prior to detonation to ensure that no tourists may be in the vicinity of the targeted structure

SANParks has been closing artificial water points in Kruger National Park for the past eight years, with the last being that of Sirheni in October 2015.

Artificial water holes where water did not naturally occur have led to numerous ecological problems such as erosion and other environmental degradation. This also resulted in a negative consequence for the rare herbivore species such as roan and sable antelope, increasing grazing competition by the more abundant herbivores. Conservation management has taken steps to rectify these negative consequences by closing and demolishing certain artificial water holes. To enhance tourist experience, alternative game viewing opportunities will be provided at areas of naturally occurring surface water. [src.: SANParks]

Kruger National Park: Sirheni Concrete Dam to get removed for ecological reasons!

Kruger National Park (KNP), in conjunction with South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has started to demolish the wall of the Sirheni Concrete Dam at Sirheni Bushveld Camp on 19 October 2015 (until 23 October 2015) for ecological reasons. The Camp is located at the edge of Kruger National Park's northern plains within the Mopane veld of the region. The Mphongolo River lies next to the Sirheni Bushveld Camp. The Sirheni Concrete Dam was damaged beyond repair during the 2013 floods. Explosives will be used to demolish the dam wall, after which the remains will be removed as part of the rehabilitation process.
The area around the target structure will be cleared to ensure animals and human beings are safe. Ranger and Military staff will be on the ground throughout and the road leading to the dam will also be temporarily closed. Kruger National Park has been closing redundant artificial water points for the past eight years, the last one having taken place in December 2014.