The Border Management Authority (BMA) has announced the suspension of operations at the Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry due to the recent heavy rains.

Lowvelder reports Pafuri is a port of entry between South Africa and Mozambique, situated in the far northern region of the Kruger National Park (KNP).

BMA said the Pafuri Gate, which provides access to the Pafuri Port of Entry and is located approximately 30km from the port, was also closed due to high floodwater levels.

“Giriyondo, also a port of entry between South Africa and Mozambique, is an important part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans across South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” said BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato.

He yesterday said reports from the KNP rangers, who were monitoring the area, indicated that the water level at the Luvubu River Bridge had risen by approximately half a metre compared to the previous day.

“Additional updates also confirmed that the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are currently overflowing, while the Letaba Bridge is nearing full capacity due to the continued heavy inflow of water,” Masiapato said.

Safety concerns for staff and travellers

He added that because the Luvubu River runs adjacent to the Pafuri Port of Entry, the rapidly rising water levels posed a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers and infrastructure in the area.

“In the interest of ensuring the safety of all concerned, the BMA has taken the precautionary decision to suspend operations at the affected ports of entry until conditions improve,” said Masiapato.

He said all BMA staff members, Port Management Committee members and operational vehicles stationed at the affected ports were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure, adding that no injuries or damage to the infrastructure were reported.

Alternative access route

He advised travellers intending to access Pafuri Gate to use Punda Maria Gate as an alternative access point. Punda Maria Gate is located approximately 65km from the Port of Entry and currently remains accessible.

Masiapato said the BMA continued to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with relevant authorities and park management officials.

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