Translation:
"Beeld"
2012-06-12 23:33
Elise Tempelhoff
More than 3 million people in 181 communities support SANParks' plans for two luxury hotels - one in Malelane and one in Skukuza in the Kruger Park.
So Edna Molewa, Minister of Environmental Affairs, said in a written reply to a parliamentary question from the DA.
In addition to the two hotels, a luxury guest house and six tent camps are planned for the Park, she said.
These enhancements are part of the Park's commercialisation strategy.
The hotels are built for middle-class South Africans of all races who do not always feel like taking their "entire grocery trollley" to the Park to spend a holiday.
These people, South Africans and foreign visitors, do not always feel like making food for themselves.
"Some families prefer a modern way of recreation for their children to be kept happy," Molewa said.
Gerhard Smit, convener of civic organization Aikona, said he and the group's more than 300 members vehemently opposed the commercialization of the Park, and the two planned hotels, and will do everything in their power to stop it.
The group welcomed the establishment of other tent camps because it is what "true nature lovers" want.
"Those who want to be pampered and do not want food prepared, may stay in the luxury housing in the camps and guest houses."
He had heard that it would cost around R1 500 per person per night in the proposed Malelane hotel to go overnight.
Molewa said if everything goes according to plan, construction on this hotel would begin in January next year.
It is 14 months later than the original date in October 2011, after the environmental impact study was completed.
She pointed out that 70% of the people around the park were unemployed and that with the proposed new developments between 600 and 700 jobs will be created.
About the possible negative impact that hotel developments may pose for the Park's ecosystems and biodiversity Molewa said there is no empirical, scientific evidence for it.
"The architecture is of such a nature that it is in harmony with local culture and the natural environment."
I wouldn't take this article too seriously yet!
What is the situation/progress with the proposed hotels in Kruger?
- Richprins
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Re: What is the situation/progress with the proposed hotels?
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Re: What is the situation/progress with the proposed hotels?
Thank you RP
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
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The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
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Re: What is the situation/progress with the proposed hotels?
Thanks for the translation, RP!
Is there any knowledge how Edna Molewa gathered that 3 million people
in the surrounding communities support that development?
Is there any knowledge how Edna Molewa gathered that 3 million people
in the surrounding communities support that development?
God put me on earth to accomplish a certain amount of things. Right now I'm so far behind that I'll never die.
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That is actually an extract from one of SanParks' releases/speeches months ago...there is no empirical evidence for that at all, as the minister would say!
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Just the answer that I expected / suspected.
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What else!?
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
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The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
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Re: What is the situation/progress with the proposed hotels?
I was trained to ask before making assumptions!
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Re: What is the situation/progress with the proposed hotels?
There is no further progress.
The EIA company, as well as others, is waiting for written confirmation of the Department's approval of the PDZ and specifics related thereto.
The EIA company, as well as others, is waiting for written confirmation of the Department's approval of the PDZ and specifics related thereto.
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One may ask as to how the foreign developer could possibly still be awaiting a project that is effectively almost two years behind schedule!
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Re: What is the situation/progress with the proposed hotels?
I hope I'm wrong, but does this all not maybe tie in with the current Pilgrim's Rest story???
Sometimes it’s not until you don’t see what you want to see, that you truly open your eyes.