SANParks begins rehab after Cape fire

REHABILITATION work has started in the Table Mountain National Park after the Cape Town fire caused massive destruction last month.

South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the news yesterday.

Firefighters battled the fire, which started on April 18, for three days. Many residents had to be evacuated, and some even assisted firefighters to halt the spread of the fire.

Frans van Rooyen, park manager at Table Mountain National Park, said certain areas of the park would remain closed until rehabilitation work was completed, particularly in the Rhodes Memorial and Deer Park areas.

“We are inundated with calls and messages from users who would want to go back and embark on various activities within the areas, but unfortunately at this stage it is unsafe to allow access until the rehabilitation work has been finalised.

“We request a bit of patience from the users.”

The rehabilitation work that is being undertaken included removal/ felling/clearing of burnt material such as trees along footpaths and boardwalks, soil stabilisation with the assistance of City of Cape Town to prevent mudslide and water run-off, foot-path maintenance and the replacement of water and electricity infrastructure.

“SANParks wishes to thank the members of the public for the ongoing support and will continue to provide updates on progress made as information becomes available,” concluded Van Rooyen.