THE shocking state of the roads within Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) has been the subject of many complaints from local residents and international tourists.
One such complaint, made public earlier in the year, led to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize, announcing the availability of a substantial sum of money which would be set aside for road re-tarring and re-surfacing.
To date, the dirt roads in HiP have been graded and a few potholes filled on the tar road, but overall, the tar road has become virtually un-drivable.
After a recent visit to HiP, Dave Meintjes contacted Dr Mkhize regarding the dire state of the park’s roads.
‘Most of the tarred section from Nyalazi Gate to Mpila is beyond repair,’ said Meintjes in his emailed correspondence.
‘“What happened to the millions of rands you promised the public, via the local news media, allocated to repair the roads? There is no evidence of that expenditure?’
Voicing his concern over the future of HiP, Meintjes pointed out, “If there is no improvement in the status of these roads, it will tarnish the good image of Ezemvelo and you can expect a substantial drop in the number of visitors to these parks.’
In a short yet prompt response, Mkhize said, ‘I am pleased to inform you that a contractor has been appointed to redo the tar roads at HiP. They should be on site as we speak since the site was handed over to them Monday last week (5 May).’
This comes as good news for tour operators, guides and wildlife enthusiasts who should soon be enjoying conventional game viewing rather than dedicating most of their time in the park to dodging potholes.
