Greater access in Wetland Park

A NEW R7,5m bridge and entrance for uMkhuze Game Reserve will provide direct access for tourists and local residents to the newly completed Lubombo road. The entrance now means that the uMkhuze and Sodwana Bay sections of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park are now just 60km apart on tar, bringing the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative’s dream of “three countries in one day” for tourists a step closer. The new bridge and entrance, expected to be open in time for the December holidays, also makes Kosi Bay, Ponta do Ouro and Tembe Elephant Park more accessible to tourists seeking a bush and beach experience Other strategic investments have been made by the Wetland Authority to improve park infrastructure, such as upgrading roads, building hides and scout camps, erecting a 150km fence and improving camping facilities, among other developments. At least 75% of the capital expenditure has gone to SMMEs and local labour, says the Wetland Park Authority ceo, Andrew Zaloumis. (Natalia Thomson)