Kruger flood damage exceeds R150m
2013-02-18 12:40
Johannesburg - The cost of damage caused by recent flooding in the Kruger National Park has exceeded R153m.
Beeld reports that staff who experienced the latest flood said it was much worse than the one that happened in February 2000.
While most of the camps, gates and picnic spots that were closed have been reopened, there are still a few that will remain closed for a while. These include Bateleur, Shimuwini, Si-rheni and Talamati.
Tamboti tented camp and the Maroela caravan site, which are both located close to the Orpen gate and on the shores of the Timbavati River are also still closed.
Shingwedzi suffered the most damage and is only expected to be opened to the public in May, Laura Mukwevho, a spokesperson for the park told the paper.
The cost of damage to rest camps, picnic spots and lookout points alone is an estimated R64m.
As far as roads are concerned, the H1-1 between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop is very badly damaged, but a temporary detour has been constructed. Check out the latest update from SANParks for full details.
Reynold Thakhuli SANParks GM: Media Liaison & Stakeholder Relations, said visitors must please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads could change without notice.
He urged visitors to be particularly cautious when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.
He also urged visitors to use water sparingly at camps/gates and picnic spots as many areas operated on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.
