GARDEN ROUTE NEWS FLASH - Construction of the entrance gate to the Tsitsikamma/Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) is well under way after slight delays since its inception in 2016. Hiccups in the project came after a hired company could not complete the task on time due to unforeseen circumstances.

The renovation of the gate aims to introduce a streamlined structure and system for visitors. Noise levels around the site have remained normal and parking space has not been affected by the construction work. No heavy machinery is used and all work is on existing footprint. Once completed, visitors will enter and exit the park more efficiently.

More lanes to access park
There will be four lanes to enter the park and two to exit, according to SANParks spokesperson Nandi Mgwadlamba.

This week a company was subcontracted to complete roofing. This is expected to take a month to complete and once done, paving and tarring will get underway. Glass doors and windows were also installed recently. At this rate, the park is confident that the project will be completed by spring.

The park put measures in place to ensure easy access for visitors by adding an additional lane to the temporary entrance lane, as well as two to three roving SANParks officials to assist with paperwork from the entrance gate.

Acting area manager Obed Maluwa expressed his gratitude for the continued support received from visitors and tour operators during the construction process. "Thank you to all our visitors during the financial year 2017/2018. The park received a 12% increase in the number of visitors, a clear indication of the love visitors have for the park. We remain grateful for this."

Read more in Friday's Knysna-Plett Herald, and online.

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