R500m boost for SA parks

2007-09-18 07:24

Cape Town - The Environmental and Tourism Affairs Department has secured R500m for the installation of energy efficient facilities in the country's national parks.

Speaking at the launch of South Africa's National Parks week 2007 at the Kruger National Park, minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said the funds would ensure that the country's national parks were projected as exemplary sites for energy efficiency.

"We have secured an investment of up to a maximum of R500m over the next three years, to ensure that all SANParks-facilities are exemplary energy efficient showcases for local and international visitors.

"The 'Energy Efficiency Financial Support Project' for South African National Parks is in support of a planned R574.9m infrastructure upgrade, planned for the next three years at all camps," he said.

The programme is being funded by the National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA) through the Central Energy Fund.

"The NEEA will provide 'top-up' funding for each upgrade to buildings and other facilities within SANParks, to finance the specific technology improvements that will ensure a sustainable and energy-efficient compliant installation."

The project would create a platform for South Africa to re-emphasise its commitment to combating climate change and global warming, Van Schalkwyk said.

- SAPA