2005/2006 - SANParks

2006South African National ParksBy the end of the period under review, 45% of the chalets had beenupgraded through the Poverty Relief programme. Feedback from visitorson the chalet upgrades was very positive. The completion of the upgradein the camping area is bearing positive fruits from campers. Visitors aregenerally impressed with park facilities.Upgrades were done on the ablution facilities at one of the picnicsites and a general cleanup of unused structures in the staff villagewas carried out. A fence was completed around the staff village. Theadministration complex at the old workshop was completed. A VSATsatellite network system was installed, as well as a radio link betweenthe two administration buildings.CAMDEBOO NATIONAL PARKOVERVIEWThe Camdeboo National Park (CNP) was proclaimed on 31 October2005 following transfer of the Karoo Nature Reserve (Administered bythe Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism of theEastern Cape Legislature) and a staff of 13 to SANParks.A launch for the park was held at the Valley of Desolation where theMinister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism announced a vision tounite the Camdeboo and Mountain Zebra National Parks as a 500,000ha‘megapark’ that would span four biomes. The current size of the parkis 14,711ha.Transformation of the park has progressed well, with priority being givento the replacement of signboards compliant with SANParks corporatebranding policy. All of the documentation including permits and publicitymaterial has also been transformed.While park management remains accommodated by means of a leaseagreement, in provincial facilities in Graaff-Reinet, a Poverty Relief projectto renovate the existing former golf club house in the park, for use as anew offi ce is in the fi nal planning stages.In addition to this, two Poverty Relief projects: R4.5 million to upgradethe 28km Game Viewing Area road network with a gravel surface andR500,000 for the fi nal phase of rehabilitation of the shoulders of thetar road to the Valley of Desolation, are in progress. Rainfall fl uctuatedover the period under review with the south-eastern section of the parkreceiving considerably less than average rainfall. Average rainfall for threesites monitored is 11% lower than the long-term average.67