Major developments planned for botanical gardens

THE Lowveld National Botanical Gardens will soon be home to some significant new additions that will contribute to enhance the natural beauty of the attraction. The new development will provide local residents and travellers with an additional entertainment when visiting the Lowveld region. As part of the Emnotweni Casino bid commitment to the local community, Tsogo Sun Holdings has contributed R5m towards the upgrade of the gardens, which is managed by the National Botanical Institute. The national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Poverty Relief Fund have also contributed financially, via the National Botanical Institute, towards the total investment of R8,46m to fund this new development. Some of the additions to the gardens will include a new visitor centre complete with a restaurant overlooking the Cascades waterfall; a book/curio shop; an indigenous plant sales outlet and an information centre. Inside the gardens, numerous additional footpaths with specific vantage points over the waterfall will be constructed as well as a pedestrian bridge across the Crocodile river and a new environmental education centre that will provide educational activities as part of daily school excursions. (Miguel de Sousa)