UPDATE: Big plans for Fort Klapperkop in 2019
In 2018, incidents ranged from muggings to scenes akin to the wild west when private security officers and brazen criminals had each other in the crosshairs.
2019 promises to be a better and safer year for the Fort Klapperkop nature reserve.
This is according to Cedric Tenga from the metro’s nature conservation department, who said the reserve had seen a significant improvement following coordinated efforts to increase safety.
He said crime in the area had been a real headache last year with as many as 35 monthly incidents reported.
These ranged from muggings to scenes akin to the wild west when private security officers and brazen criminals had each other in the crosshairs.
ALSO READ: Fort Klapperkop to be more secure
The stables located in the reserve were also targeted for theft of bridles and other equipment.
Following the introduction of SAPS, TMPD, private security and horseback patrols, the incidents had been reduced significantly.
Tenga said this had prompted them to add more improvements to increase visits.
“We are considering nature conservation-orientated activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, game drives, picnic areas on the mountain and various viewpoints as well as concerts on the fort,” said Tenga.
Another development they are considering is a historical heritage site and environmental education centres.
“Proper viewing points, more parking bays, cleaning the curbs and graffiti and turning it into a proper reserve with animals, will make it an even better tourist attraction,” he added.
A budget of about R7 million is said to have been set aside to fund some of these projects and activities in a bid to boost tourism.
“We will introduce the activities in phases. It has to be gradual but has momentum.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Fort Klapperkop ‘gang’ nabbed
“Having solid security has improved reserves as more people are now visiting.
“We used to have 50 to 70 people, now 2 000 people visit a month. Klapperkop had a low tally of about 20 to 30 visitors daily, now there are about 250.”
According to the City of Tshwane website the fort is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
Entrance costs R25 for adults, R12 for students and pensioners and R7 for learners.
Temba said access after hours is possible but permission needs to be obtained prior to the visit. An email needs to be sent to the admission office on Groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za or alternatively they can call 012-346-7703.
ALSO READ: Fort Klapperkop stables targeted
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