GOOD NEWS FROM HAROLD PORTER!

Bridges in Disa Kloof undergo repairs at last

After a very lengthy and frustrating wait, the bridges which were damaged by the massive floods in November 2013, are finally being repaired.  We are delighted and relieved to be able to announce that repairs started on Monday 18 January 2016 and should be completed in June of this year.

The long wait was caused by having to comply with the many regulations demanded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, which included a Botanical Survey, an Environmental Impact Assessment and a Hydrology Study, all of which had to be contracted out which required a tender process with all the red tape that that involves, as well as a Water License Application which had to be approved. A further tender to find the correct, fully compliant contractor with experience in bridge building was then advertised and, once approved, was appointed.

PLEASE NOTE:

While repairs are underway, Disa Kloof will be completely closed to the public who will not be able to proceed further than the Olive May Porter Bridge which crosses the Dawidskraal River.

We would like to thank all our Garden visitors for their patience and understanding while the bridges have been out of commission and hope that the lowered entrance fee has helped to offset the inconvenience of not being able to visit this special section of the Garden. As soon as Disa Kloof is opened again with the new bridges, the entrance fees will be raised as decided by the SANBI Board. As always Botanical Society members and children below 6 years will enjoy free entry.