An amount of R32 million, which will come mainly from the Poverty Relief Fund of the Department of Environmental Af-fairs and Tourism, is to be spent on various construction projects in the Kruger Na-tional Park (KNP) during the next 12 months.

Announcing the comprehensive upgrading programme, KNP Technical Services Chief, Mr Blake Schraader, pointed out that some of the work will be carried out by emerging contractors from neighbouring communities, who were trained by the park's technical staff.

The projects are expected to create scores of jobs for people living near the park. Some of the work will be completed later this year, while other projects will only be finalised by July, 2006. Mr Schraader apologised for any short-erm inconvenience the construction work may cause, but pointed out that the upgrading process would ultimately add value to future tourist visits to the park.

Swimming pools and accommodation

At Lower Sabie Camp, developments worth R3,8-million will include the upgrading of the river view accommodation units and the rebuilding of Keartlands Guest House. In addition, the existing sewerage works in this camp will be rehabilitated.

Major improvements and extensions at Orpen will result in better accommodation units, the creation of a new day visitors’ area, as well as the addition of a swimming pool and the building of a new reception building.

Upgrading projects valued at R10,4-million will be completed at Satara during the next few months. A day visitor’s site and swimming pool will be added to this camp’s already impressive list of tourist facilities, while the caravan park and some of the accommodation units will also be improved.

The Frankel Guest House at Satara, which was destroyed by fire recently, is being rebuilt, while the camp’s sewer works and oxidation plant have also been earmarked for upgrading.

Office complex

An amount of R4,5 million is to spent on projects at Letaba, which will include the improvement of present buildings and the construction of several new facilities. Work on the new day visitors’ site, which will include an attractive swimming pool, has already started.

Meanwhile, overnight visitors can look forward to enjoying the use of their own new swimming pool, and the camp’s tourist accommodation is also in line for an upgrade.

One of the largest construction projects (R5,8 million) has already kicked off at the Phalaborwa Entrance Gate, where an office complex for the park’s Northern Business Unit and a new research building are among the improvements.

Northernmost camps

Some important construction tasks will start soon in the park’s two northernmost camps, Shingwedzi and Punda Maria.

The tourist accommodation at Shingwedzi is to be extended at a cost of R1,6 million, whereas Punda Maria’s new luxury tents and well-utilised swimming pool will be supplemented by a few additional accommodation units. This camp’s new bird hide was recently completed, with funding obtained from Sasol by the Honorary Rangers Association.