15 million budget for new fence at Songimvelo Game Reserve in Elukwatini
Some community members already farming within the nature reserve raised the issue of the dilapidated fence that has allowed elephants to pass through and destroy their crops.
An estimated budget of R15 million has been allocated for the new fence at Songimvelo Game Reserve and the erection processes are to start sooner than expected.
This was announced by the Mpumalanga MEC for economic development and tourism, Vusi Mkhatshwa, during a stakeholder engagement roadshow at the reserve last Monday.
The roadshow was a response to the outcries of the communities adjacent to the reserve, due to the dilapidated fence that allowed elephants to pass through. They said the elephants destroyed their crops, killed their animals and endangered
their lives.
“Our entity, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, will advertise the tender to replace the fence within seven days. We will make sure that the company that will be appointed will employ people in Elukwatini. They will not come with their own people to work,” Mkhatshwa said.
The roadshow was attended by a number of community members interested in farming, who raised their questions to the MEC and governmental agencies such as the National Youth Development Agency, Small Enterprise Finance Agency and Small Enterprise Development Agency, and the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency.
Emily Mkhabela pleaded with the MEC to help her get some land to farm, saying she has struggled to get assistance.
“I have been going up and down seeking funds and advice on how to get land. I even lost out on a very nice farm that was for sale while I was waiting for a response from the governmental agencies,” she said.
Abel Mkhonto raised the issue of the organisations put in place to help the public with all their business needs, being situated far from their area.
“These organisations are based far away from us. We can call the offices, but we do not get the necessary help in time or enough information. I wish today they could educate us and we will leave here happy,” Mkhonto said.
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Mkhatshwa called for all the involved entities to help the public quickly and efficiently.
“I called these entities to be present today, because these people are potential business owners in the agriculture industry that can elevate our economy,” Mkhatshwa said.
The MEC also provided food parcels with essential items to 50 less-privileged households.
