Rehabilitation work is still underway in the Rhodes Memorial section of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) after a devastating fire destroyed more than 650 hectares of land.
Following the previous update of the Rhodes Memorial Estate in October 2021, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) would like to keep interested parties and public park visitors in the loop with the progress made to date.
Also read: Rehabilitation work still underway in the Rhodes Memorial section of TMNP
According to Mr Frans Van Rooyen – TMNP Park Manager, “The appointed contractor has felled 230 trees inside the bid and 598 trees outside the bid totalling to 828 trees felled within the area. Only 50 trees left inside the bid are to be felled which is situated around the parking area, and the Rhodes memorial building. After and during the felling of these trees material is being stacked and logs processed.”
In order to rehabilitate the area and ensure the safety of park users, an assessment of the burnt area was done by TMNP along with an appointed service provider. The operations commenced in the area on August 16 2021 and were meant to be completed by the end of November 2021. Due to indecisive weather conditions, the remaining trees are expected to be completely felled by December 14 2021 to get the site safe and accessible for the public if the weather permits.
The processing and stacking of material will continue on-site to get the site ready for the re-opening for vehicle access. The tree felling for the Game camp section will commence in January 2022 for a period of two months. Firewood can be collected by permit from December on Fridays and Mondays only until the site is cleaned up to control access, reports SANParks.
Van Rooyen continues to say, “Partial reopening of the area has been granted to users by TMNP management which allows hikers, runners, cyclists, etc. to make use of the area through the turnstile located at the main entrance. Vehicle access is not permitted at this stage as felling operations continue. We urge users to be cautious when carrying out their activities in the area.”
Rhodes Memorial Restaurant
“After the fire assessment at the Rhodes Tea Room has been finalised, the insurers appointed a Heritage Architect to oversee the construction work and contractors were appointed to clean the damaged area and safeguard parts of the building to assess if some of the building material cannot be re-used” says SANParks.
The re-building of the Tea Room has been delayed as a result of discussions with the Department of Public Works who are the custodians of the Land. The architect and technical department are busy drafting the bill of quantities and will offer guidance regarding the way forward. This will take time. TMNP will keep the Public updated on all the developments through regular communication and would like to thank their visitors for their patience in this regard.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery