Residents want to protect wildlife
Two weeks ago, Corridor Gazette reported that residents were angered by the proposed plans for the reserve's wildlife.
MARLOTH PARK – Two weeks ago, Corridor Gazette reported that residents were angered by the proposed plans for the reserve’s wildlife.
Reports of bomas being erected and animals being relocated to Lionspruit to be hunted, were streaming in on Facebook. Residents were appalled at the idea and raised their concern about the proposed plans.
According to spokesman Cyril Ripinga, the local municipality has received permits for reduction of animal and will conduct a soft-catch procedure which will not harm the animals. “They will be removed from Marloth and taken to Lionspruit. This procedure will be carried out by the municipality.”
However, the community has decided to support Ms Lorinda Steenkamp who has served on both the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and Nkomazi Local Municipality, in her request for information in terms of (Section 18 (1) of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000).
She posted on her Facebook page, “Detailed information from both organisations is requested, regarding the removal, culling and hunting of animals in Marloth Park and Lionspruit.”
To date two bomas have been erected, one in Raasblaar Road and one in Volstruis Road and residents have now taken it upon themselves to keep the animals out of these potential traps.
Marloth Park constitutes only 3 049 hectares and this needs to be managed. Mr Chris Norval, a resident and business owner says, “We love the park for what it is but culling needs to be done, the bush landscape is suffering and the damage could be irreparable.”
The department of environmental affairs spokesman, Zolile Ngaxi, was unable to comment on the situation at the time of going to print.
