SANParks receives R700m boost for vital infrastructure upgrades
South African National Parks (SANParks) Chief Executive Officer Hapiloe Sello has revealed a substantial injection of R700 million from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) for critical infrastructure investments in national parks. The funding, spread over the next three years, aims to enhance the overall visitor experience across SANParks-managed sites.
Currently overseeing an infrastructure portfolio valued at approximately R16 billion, SANParks faces urgency in the re-capitalisation of facilities established primarily in the 1970s. This imperative arises from the crucial role tourism accommodation units play in generating revenue to sustain park operations.
A significant portion of SANParks' operating budget, approximately 80%, is derived from its ecotourism business. The success and sustainability of tourism operations are pivotal to fulfilling SANParks' holistic conservation mandate.
Acknowledging potential inconveniences, SANParks appeals for patience from visitors to affected national parks where delays or restricted access may occur due to ongoing upgrades. The facelift encompasses tourist units, main buildings in rest camps, and roads across various national parks in all seven provinces.
The R700 million injection will fund high-impact projects, including the bulk services infrastructure upgrade in Table Mountain National Park's Tokai Precinct. This initiative aims to unlock Public Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities. Additionally, Rhodes Memorial in Table Mountain National Park will witness bulk services and road enhancements to facilitate a restaurant PPP.
Noteworthy projects include tar road maintenance at Cape Point section in Table Mountain National Park and the ongoing development of the Shangoni Entrance Gate in the north of Kruger National Park. The latter involves the construction of river crossings and upgrades to gravel roads.
Further developments in Kruger National Park include the Phalaborwa Activity Hub, set to accommodate tourists at a backpacker's lodge, a main activity hub, and a swimming pool area. Skukuza Rest Camp will undergo a significant intervention, with 70% (147 units) slated for upgrades.
Other Kruger National Park projects include the upgrade of main buildings in Shingwedzi and Satara Rest Camps, renovations of 40% (66 units) of bungalows in Satara Rest Camp, and upgrades to bungalows in Olifants Rest Camp. Additionally, there are plans for Punda Maria luxury tents, the Sweni Trails Camp, and the construction of 120 new staff accommodation units, along with the upgrade of 158 existing units.
Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site will benefit from upgrades to tourism facilities, an interpretive centre, roads, and fences. Furthermore, six new staff houses will be constructed.
In Addo Elephant National Park, Nyathi Rest Camp is set to undergo upgrades, accompanied by improvements to tourism roads to support eight new units in the Main Camp and ten new Lendlovu Lodge units.
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will witness the upgrade of the Namibian border fence, road enhancements, and the replacement of ablution facilities at the Twee Rivieren campsite.
The West Coast National Park is not left out, with plans for the construction of a park management office, a new R27 entrance gate, and upgrades to the Duinepos Chalets. The allocation of funds underscores a commitment to preserving South Africa's natural treasures while ensuring an enriching experience for visitors.
