The Kruger National Park, in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force, will demolish the dam wall at Sirheni in the northern part of the park in the week of October 19-23 for ecological reasons.
Artificial waterholes, where water did not naturally occur previously, have led to numerous ecological problems such as erosion and other environmental degradation. Conservation management has taken steps to rectify these consequences by closing and demolishing certain artificial water points, said GM: Communications and Marketing for KNP, William Mabasa.
The dam was damaged beyond repair during the 2013 floods. Explosives will be used to demolish the dam wall after which the remains will be removed as part of the rehabilitation process.
Mabasa said the area around the target structure would be cleared to ensure animals and human beings were safe. Rangers and military staff will be on the ground throughout and the road leading to the dam will also be temporarily closed.
“With continuous research data at our disposal, we have gradually changed our outlook on biodiversity management over the years. With this data available, policies and procedures can be revisited and revised; and that is evident in the change in policy regarding water distribution in the park,” said Mabasa.
