World Bank contributes millions to iSimangaliso park projects

LOCAL communities are set to benefit from a $2.7-million (approximately R46million) contribution by The World Bank to iSimangaliso Wetland Park projects.

As part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the World Bank has funded wetland park projects on an ongoing basis over the years.

The latest contribution was announced at a four-day engagement held last week and attended by donor representatives, the media and other stakeholders.

iSimangaliso CEO Sibusiso Bukhosini said he is committed to ensuring that the park contributes towards addressing social ills such as tackling poverty in uMkhanyakude District.

“It is my view that during my tenure I am in a position to make a difference,” said Bukhosini.

He said this would be achieved through programmes implemented by the park that focus on job creation and bridging the divide.

Bukhosini said The World Bank's $2.7-million contribution shows its commitment to upliftment.

He explained it was important that local communities witness the value of conservation, adding that it was encouraging that traditional leaders, including those from KwaNibela, Makhasa and Mabaso, want portions of their land incorporated into the park.

It is also hoped that the recent opening of the airport at Mkhuze would increase tourism traffic to the area.

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• Kosi Bay Mouth 5-star investment

• Community boating concessions

• Bhanganek Community Tourism

• Mabaso and Makhasa CCAs support

• Community abattoir

• SMME support