Disaster fund established

DAMAGE repairs, mopping up and re-commissioning of electricity, water and sanitation services has begun after devastating floods played havoc with buildings, bridges and services in the southern Kruger National Park earlier this week, causing an estimated R40m worth of damage. A National Disaster Fund has been established and monetary contributions can be made at First National Bank City Branch Code 250805, account number: 6201 4877 156. The dedicated phone line for the Fund is 083 9100 303. Funds will mainly be used for the rebuilding of infrastructure. A fund has also been established for the badly affected community of Skukuza. Contributions can be made to the Skukuza Community Relief Fund, ABSA Skukuza Branch, account number: 3346 52405 138 8247. Food, clothing, bedding and cleaning products and materials are also needed. Kruger Park's director, David Mabunda confirmed that Crocodile Bridge, Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie and Skukuza rest camps are closed until February 22. The northern part of the Park is open and accommodation facilities are available, although access to the northern section across the Sabie River is not possible. The high-level bridge at Skukuza is severely damaged, as is the bridge below Lower Sabie. (Adele Mackenzie)