RESILIENT RECOVERY: Kruger National Park prepares to ‘build back better’ after R1bn flood damage
After January’s extreme weather exposed serious vulnerabilities and resulted in the evacuation of more than 500 guests, the famed game reserve is rethinking its roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
Kruger National Park aims to rebuild and improve its infrastructure after suffering R1 billion in flood damage. On January 9, torrential rains poured into the park, causing rivers to overflow and roads to be washed away. Over 500 visitors were evacuated as the park's drainage lines failed and rivers burst their banks. Despite the devastation, the park managed to keep large sections operational and avoid a complete shutdown.
The park's management team, led by Oscar Mthimkhulu and Danie Pienaar, began planning for a "build back better" approach, focusing on rebuilding for a new normal. With more frequent extreme weather events expected, the Kruger National Park is investing heavily in rebuilding its roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. Much of the work falls to Bharat Gulab, the programme manager responsible for infrastructure and technical services, who is overseeing repairs after earlier floods.
Much of the R1 billion needed for reconstruction is earmarked for management roads, which are crucial for operations but not visible to visitors. The park's resilience and innovative approach to rebuilding will be put to the test as it faces the ongoing challenge of climate change and its impact on South Africa's premier protected area.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
