Rehabilitation work has started in the Table Mountain National Park following the fire that caused mass destruction last month, South African National Parks (SANParks) says.
The wildfire broke out on Sunday, April 18, and damaged at least 11 structures in the city.
These included two houses in the Rosebank area, six education buildings on the University of Cape Town campus, heritage buildings including the Mostert’s Mill and UCT’s Jaffer Library, and the restaurant at Rhodes Memorial.
At least 250 firefighters battled the fire.
The manager at Table Mountain National Park, Frans van Rooyen, said on Monday that certain areas will 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… and we request a bit of patience from the users,” Van Rooyen said.
The rehabilitation work included the following projects:
• Removal/felling/clearing of burnt material such as trees along footpaths and boardwalks.
• Soil stabilisation with the assistance of the City of Cape Town to prevent mudslide and water runoff.
• Foot-path Maintenance.
• Monitoring of soil erosion.
• Boardwalk repairs.
• Repairing of water pipelines.
• Repairing of electricity lines.
• Signage replacement.
“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 and we would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time…” Van Rooyen said.
Pictures: Facebook/@SANParks