The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier, received high-level briefings on flood-repair progress during a visit to the Kruger National Park from August 12 to 15.

Heavy rains and severe flooding in January caused substantial damage to park infrastructure, including roads, accommodation, and water-related infrastructure.

Since then, the park’s management team and contractors have been hard at work progressively repairing the damage.

ALSO READ: Nationwide floods classified as national disaster

The total cost of the repairs is estimated to reach R950 million

Maynier highlighted the focus of the rebuild: “The recovery work being undertaken is not just repairing the damage, but also building more modern and resilient facilities for the future. Our national parks are valuable environmental assets, and the Kruger National Park is the jewel in our crown. We must ensure that they are maintained and revitalised.”

ALSO READ: More Kruger National Park bridges flooded and roads damaged

Letaba Rest Camp prepares for September reopening

Maynier visited one of the worst-hit camps, Letaba Rest Camp, where work is currently underway and repairs are progressing well.

The A and B circles at Letaba are expected to be brought back into operation in September.

The Letaba High-Level Bridge was also severely damaged, but is currently open and the final aspects of the rebuild are now nearing completion.

Positive feedback from camp guests

Maynier also spent time engaging with guests at both the Skukuza Rest Camp units and the Letaba campsite.

“The guest experience must be a key focus for investments going forward, as we want families and friends to come together and create lasting memories of their time at the park. I’m happy to report that the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, and any snags will be addressed by the park’s management.”

Further updates on the recovery work will be provided in due course.