The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), which are the custodians of that particular stretch, have placed an order for rumble strips to be erected on the roads entering the traffic circle.
It has been the scene of four accidents in as many months.
The most recent was a truck that crashed over the circle, careened towards Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre and ran over the Telkom exchange and 22 lamp poles.
These accidents have all caused significant damage to the centre and its surrounds, and seemed to have happened in similar ways.
According to Mr Greg Austin, co-owner of GumTreez Pub & Grill, the trucks go straight across the traffic circle on the R40 before crashing into an obstacle on the premises.
Some months ago an independent contractor carrying SAB crates containing empty beer bottles crashed into GumTreez’s boma and narrowly missed several patrons.
The increased traffic-safety measures will pave the way for the Casterbridge Circle Project, an ongoing attempt to turn the circle into a tribute to rhino and a landmark in town.
A group of inspired community members have met several times over a few months to get the project started but hit a few hiccups, culminating in concern that the initiative would be derailed by the frequent accidents.
The aim of the project is to plant indigenous trees and plants and place three rhino statues, as well as a cross for each one that is killed by poachers in the circle.
The committee hopes to create awareness for the plight of rhino and has been working with several organisations to formulate how this can be achieved.
Plans for the circle include solar lighting and boards with welcome messages, as well as pleas to support the Kruger National Park’s anti-poaching efforts.
Project chairman Mr Rowan Torr has been driving the initiative, alongside landscape artist Ms Belinda McLintock. Several businesses and organisations have pledged their support.
Mr Louis van der Merwe of Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre has had discussions with SANParks to obtain three fibreglass rhino and plants from Skukuza Nursery.
Protea The Winkler Hotel and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport have pledged their support once work begins.
The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism has also been involved but more support is needed to successfully complete the project.
We Are White River, a website aiming to promote White River, is also running a Rhino for the Rhino Circle Campaign where people can donate a rhino (R10 note) to enter a draw for spot prizes. Residents are welcome to visit www.wearewhiteriver.com for more information.
To become involved contact Belinda on 083-407-1969 or belinda@inx.co.za
