Shangoni Gate & Camps Kruger National Park

[okie]

14 February 2017

Interested and Affected Party

Dear Sir / Madam

INVITATION TO COMMENT: NOTICE OF A BASIC ASSESSMENT AND WATER USE LICENCE APPLICATION FOR
THE PROPOSED SHANGONI GATE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK.

South African National Parks (hereafter “SANParks”) is proposing the Shangoni Gate Development. This development will
consist of the Shangoni visitor„s entrance gate into the Kruger National Park (KNP), a reception facility; a new surfaced road
of approximately 50,6 km in length with a road reserve wider than 13,5 m and three high level bridges where the road will
span the Shingwedzi River twice and once over the Tshanga tributary. The development is coupled with a picnic site;
camping site and tented rest camp. The entire activity is collectively referred to as “the Shangoni Gate Development”.

Does " surfaced road " mean a tarred road
Note , a road reserve wider than 13,5 meters is wider than road reserve in suburban developments , which is normally 9 to 11 meters .

I get the impression that this roadwill become a highway to Mocambique , with a possible new border post to be established around Dipene . This is the place where historically recruits for the mining industry on the Witwatersrand were " collected " and "dipped " before being allowed into the country
There is also already a road on Mocambique side right up to the Shingwedzi river .

[Flutterby]

Yep, I think this is going to be a major access route to Moz!!

[okie]

Hmmm... the original call for bids stipulated a tar road with ONE low level bridge as shown here :

"Construction of a new tar road of approximately 3.5 kms from the proposed tourism hub to the KNP fence which
runs through natural savannah bush.
• Construction of a new tar road of approximately 50,6 kms from the Shangoni Gate to the H1-6 linking
Shingwedzi and Mopani Rest Camps;
• Construction of a low-level bridge over the Shingwedzi River; "


But now they are talking about 3 ( three ) high level bridges

Note , there is already a good dirt road over the entire length of the road , which they now want to change into a high-speed race track

[leachy]

here is the link that takes you directly to the BAR

https://www.envirolution.co.za/index.ph ... 5-shangoni

[leachy]

there are about ninety files waiting to be viewed on that link

[H. erectus]

Let's go,...see what the consternation be all about,...??

a gate, mebe just a farm gate what it used to be???

Eish, but Groenkloof are all about cheapskate tricks
to find a fast buck!!??

Perhaps just a run-up to looming elections, prompting
for noddy points, among civilization outside the park.

[Richprins]

Hmmm... the original call for bids stipulated a tar road with ONE low level bridge as shown here :

"Construction of a new tar road of approximately 3.5 kms from the proposed tourism hub to the KNP fence which
runs through natural savannah bush.
• Construction of a new tar road of approximately 50,6 kms from the Shangoni Gate to the H1-6 linking
Shingwedzi and Mopani Rest Camps;
• Construction of a low-level bridge over the Shingwedzi River; "


But now they are talking about 3 ( three ) high level bridges

Note , there is already a good dirt road over the entire length of the road , which they now want to change into a high-speed race track

Thanks, leachy!

Ja, okie...the expense of this will be mind-boggling if it is tar and High-level Bridges, about R500 000 000 for tar alone, (extremely conservative estimate given pristine area) then FAR more than that for high-level bridges, talking billions!

Hopefully they have cocked it up and mean gravel resurfacing and upgrading,with low-water bridges, which is about half as expensive. But that is what they said!

Only the Chinese can put up this sort of infrastructure and pay for it, regarding African experience?

[H. erectus]

This crowd, would be professional Environmental Practitioners,
rather on a low entry level,..regarding access to these studies.

Already a certain attitude prevailing!!!, that be,- "take or leave it,
decisions taken!!"',...

[H. erectus]

These presentations by the so called ethical practitioners,
leave a lot to be desired!! Their message not very consumer
friendly in the sense of easy access,...!!! Most visitors being
"toppies", not very computer literate and therefore find it hard
to be active AIP's,.. ,...

I suggest proper action taking into, the broader sense of support!
Since "toppies', in years gone by were always the faithful visitor,
relied upon!!!

Today for other too exploit!!!

[okie]

Hmmm... the original call for bids stipulated a tar road with ONE low level bridge as shown here :

"Construction of a new tar road of approximately 3.5 kms from the proposed tourism hub to the KNP fence which
runs through natural savannah bush.
• Construction of a new tar road of approximately 50,6 kms from the Shangoni Gate to the H1-6 linking
Shingwedzi and Mopani Rest Camps;
• Construction of a low-level bridge over the Shingwedzi River; "


But now they are talking about 3 ( three ) high level bridges

Note , there is already a good dirt road over the entire length of the road , which they now want to change into a high-speed race track

Thanks, leachy!


Ja, okie...the expense of this will be mind-boggling if it is tar and High-level Bridges, about R500 000 000 for tar alone, (extremely conservative estimate given pristine area) then FAR more than that for high-level bridges, talking billions!

Hopefully they have cocked it up and mean gravel resurfacing and upgrading,with low-water bridges, which is about half as expensive. But that is what they said!

Only the Chinese can put up this sort of infrastructure and pay for it, regarding African experience?

The report does mention a tar road , not just upgraded gravel
Basically also , the Limpopo Roads Dept is blackmailing -- " If it is not done now , then it will never be done "

And certainly at a cost of billions and billions given ample opportunity for corruption , enrichment , mismanagement and stealing