MIDVAAL. – Despite the easing of lockdown regulations and expected reopening of nature reserves across the country, the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve south of Johannesburg – a popular hiking, cycling and game driving spot for Gautengers – remains closed to this date.

It was expected that the reserve would reopen on 1 June following an announcement of the easing of lockdown regulations by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, but it turns out that this was not to be.

Vaalweekblad understands that issues around ensuring the safety of staff and visitors needs to be addressed before the reserve can be reopened.

It is said that before reopening can be contemplated, measures would need to be put in place such as health screening of their staff, erection of COVID-19 signage, as well as awareness and training with their staff.

Enquiries were sent to Nozipho Hlabangana, Head of Communications at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (the governmental department under which the reserve resorts).

Hlabangana confirmed that Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve as well as the Abe Bailey Nature Reserve remain closed due to the “water supply interruptions”.

“We are busy resolving this water supply issue as it’s a basic necessity for both our employees and guests of the reserves.

“Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve should be completed and ready to receive the Day Visitors by the end of August 2020, while Abe Bailey Nature Reverse will be ready for Day Visitors by the end of September 2020,” said Hlabangana.

According to her the public notice will be issued closer to the date of re-opening.