Mbombela - Plans are underway to give the Lowveld's Panorama a facelift.
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza announced that R44 million has been set aside to upgrade a number of nature reserves across the province as of next year.
"The emergency fund will be used to upgrade the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Manyeleti Reserve, Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and Songimvelo Reserve. However, the Blyde River Canyon will enjoy preference and renovations will start as soon as possible," said Mabuza.
He said the renovations in the Blyde River Canyon will be done on the Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, "Drie Rondawels" and Lowveld Views and River Falls.
According to the Premier, Bourke's Luck Potholes will get a new entrance gate which will accommodate buses without obstructing the road.
A restaurant will be opened with a capacity of 50 seats and reconstruction of an eco-centre with new animal trophies, lighting and geological features will begin. Ablution facilities, offices and guest houses will be upgraded and new boreholes will be drilled for water supply.
God's Window, just outside Graskop, will also have a new entrance gate, parking areas, walkways and view sites railings.
Potholes around "Drie Rondawels" and Lowveld Views will be patched and the road repaired. Walkways and railings to view sites will be installed and ablution facilities will be built while River Falls will have new curio stalls and ablution facilities as well.
Mabuza said the upgrading will also help the historic town, Pilgrim Rest, get back on its feet. He said the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism had been tasked with ensuring Pilgrim's Rest is restored.
"This campaign is targeting the festive season travellers from Gauteng and appealing to their travel needs of a tranquil and relaxed holiday," said Mabuza.
However, some residents of the area are not too glad about the planned facelift.
Sarel van Sabie, who owns Masterchef in Sabie, said the money should rather be spent on marketing.
"Look what happened at the Abel Erasmus Pass after it was refurbished. The stalls they built completely blocked the view to the waterfall - you have to stand in the middle of the road to be able to see it. The idea is good, but nature cannot be upgraded," said Van Sabie. - SAnews.gov.za
