Game reserve road repair finally underway
R26-million had been budgeted for the road renovation.
FRUSTRATED animal viewers will be relieved to know that work starts this week to repair the pothole-riddled roads in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
The announcement by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO, Dr Bandile Mkhize in July last year that R26-million had been budgeted for the road renovation has until now, yielded no results, even after the contractor was appointed in February this year.
But it’s now all systems go, with the immediate goal to make the roads ‘driveable, without causing damage to vehicles’.
According to Contracts Manager, Stephen Lauwrens of Merlcon Construction, site establishment has been completed and the temporary repairs will be the priority.
‘In the short-term, we need to ensure firstly that the roads are friendly to our clients, Ezemvelo and the visitors.
‘After filling the potholes we will accelerate the rehabilitation process so that we are still on track for completion in mid-January, weather permitting.
‘Roads will stay open at all times.’
Two teams will undertake the 60km tarring and rehabilitation project, starting at the Memorial Gate and at Mpila, and moving inwards.
‘The use of local labour from Hluhluwe and uMfolozi is written into the contract and will also entail substantial skills transfer,’ said Lauwrens.
