KNP: Shangoni gate construction work delayed

The construction of a gate into Kruger National Park via Muyexe village could be delayed as the Park awaits the government to establish a new road that would link the village with the area where the gate is to be established.

Until that is sorted out, there’s no telling as to when we’re going to start the construction

According to Kruger National Park’s spokesperson, William Mabasa, the Department of Roads and Transport needs to approve the establishment of a new road into the park from Muyexe’s side.

“The Government still needs to approve the establishment of the new road as well as budget for its construction before we could do anything from our side. Until that is sorted out, there’s no telling as to when we’re going to start the construction of the gate,” he said.

Also Read: KNP: Kruger  Gate inaccessible  due to land claimant handover

 The construction of the gate into Kruger National Park via Muyexe village was approved late last year around October by the Department of Environmental Affairs after many years of negotiations between the Park and several stakeholders.

According to an approval document from the Department of Environmental Affairs, the department’s choice of the area where the gate is to be constructed stems from a “careful consideration of the findings of all specialist studies conducted and their recommended mitigation measures.”

Speaking on behalf of Muyexe community, the chairperson of Muyexe Development Committee, Mafemani Maluleke, welcomed the approval of the gate saying it would bring development in to the village.

In fact, it would be the shortest entrance to Kruger National Park

“This will be the beginning of job creation, I believe the construction of the gate coupled with other developments will bring more jobs to our community. We can’t wait to see the day in which the construction will start,” he said.

When complete, the project will comprise of the Shangoni visitors entrance gate, reception facility, picnic site and camping sites.

Asked what the approval of the gate means to the residents of Giyani as a whole, the municipality’s spokesperson, Steve Mabunda, said the gate would benefit a lot of people who would be going to Kruger via Giyani since it was the shortest route to the park via the R81 road.

“This is obviously the good news, not only to the residents of Giyani but to all people that would be coming from that side of Gauteng, including Polokwane area, who would be coming via the R81 on their way to Kruger.

“In fact, it would be the shortest entrance to Kruger National Park as compared to both Punda and Phalaborwa Gates,” explained Mabunda, adding that this would benefit the local community.

“It is therefore no doubt that the locals stand to benefit immensely from the economic hub of activities from tourists that would be passing by our municipal area on their way to Kruger National Park,” he added.

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