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Lesego, you are a star! Thanks!

Dear All,

Many thanks for queries from various:

1. The H1-5 breach in tar road near N'wamanzi lookout is still under construction and planned completion date is 30 June 2012.
2. S33 and S34 (near Tshokwane) are planned to open early June 2012.
3. Makhadzi Picnic Spot will be reopened by mid-June 2012.
4. Biyamiti Low Level Bridge on S25, is major construction and will take approximately 6 months, so hopefully in time for December holidays.
5. Tshokwane repairs are progressing well and will be opened in phases with toilet facilities, parking and picnic reopened by early June 2012 and the rest towards early July 2012.
6. Under significant duress, nevertheless the plans are still to have Tamboti fully opened by early June 2012.
7. Bert's question on the Olifants is an interesting one. I visited the area two weeks ago and my view is that flow is fairly normal for this time of the year. Keep in mind that the Olifants was a record high (in terms of existence of KNP - so last 100-odd years) and has opened up the landscape incredibly and the flow in many areas (especially near Olifants Camp) is spread thin over a wide riverbed. Also keep in mind that notwithstanding high rainfall of January 2012, the rainfall subsequent (the last part of rainy season) and in other parts of the catchment was quite low.

With kind regards.

JOEP (joep.stevens@sanparks.org)

That's fantastic news Joep, especially about Tshokwane. Thank you for the update.

Now another personal favourite of mine - the low level causeway over the Olifants near Balule? Will it ever open again?

Thank you with regards to Makhadzi Picnic Spot.

Thanks for the update Joep!

I really think that some policing of the S91/S92 detour should be done! The driving we witnessed was complete lunacy for a gravel road.

Thanks, Saraf, yes, Balule bridge will be repaired and reopened. It will take a few months, but it will reopen.

Kind regards.

JOEP

Joep, agreed about the wider flow of the Olifants.

btw, saw activity in the Tshokwane building area 2 weeks ago
And the toilet facilities are more then enough (believe 16 units) with cleaning staff
well done SANparks

Many thanks Joep. Well at least we shall be able to get from Mopane to Satara . . . .

Agreed with BluTune
its crazy driving. most visiter use the road at 40 k a hour and its impossible to do any sightseeing.
Nearly got hit by a 4x4 cutting a corner going into a dip at 40-50.
Was the worst stretch of road i have ever encountered in Kruger (vehicles driving like mad)


So please, repair the tar asap

Thanks for the good news Joep Stevens! Things are moving fast! Is is unreal how quickly SANParks is repairing the flood damage! A big thank you to all involved!

Thanks Joep for all the updates,and a high five to the Sanparks team for a doing a great job,i think nearer the
winter school holidays a further update will be appreciated,as then those going into the park during the holidays will have all the latest information etc,

I recently heard that the S25 bridge over the Biyamiti river is closed due the the flood damage from the January rains. What is the status on this and when is it expected to be repaired?

Where can I go to find out about road and bridge damage in KNP. Any suggestions?

Welcome Jamesof the jungle!



From Joep's post of last week



if you go to the media releases, all the information is there: HERE

Many thanks Salamanda. Hopefully it is up and running for our trip to Biyamiti in early December. Outstanding game viewing to be had on both sides of the bridge.

Yes indeed. We are a bit sad because our five days in Biyamiti are coming up very soon and we wont be able to go over to that side of the park at all this year. Still, I know we shall enjoy ourselves