Update on the Rhodes Memorial Section of Table Mountain National Park
South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update on the current situation in the Rhodes Memorial Section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town. The section was closed in April 2021 due to a devastating fire that destroyed more than 650 hectares of land.
According to Table Mountain National Park Park Manager, Mr. Frans van Rooyen, the appointed contractor has felled 230 trees inside the bid and 598 trees outside the bid totaling to 828 trees felled within the area. Only 50 trees left inside the bid are to be felled which is situated around the parking area, and the Rhodes memorial building. After and during the felling of these trees material is being stacked and logs processed. The felling operations commenced in the area on 16 August 2021 and was set to be completed by the end of November 2021, but due to unsteady weather conditions the remaining trees are expected to be completely felled by 14 December 2021 to get the site safe and accessible for the public if the weather permits.
However, the processing and stacking of material will continue on-site to get the site ready for the re-opening for vehicle access. The tree felling for the Game camp section will commence in January 2022 for a period of two months. Firewood can be collected by permit from December 2021 on Fridays and Mondays only until the site is cleaned up to control access.
Partial reopening of the area has been granted to users by the Table Mountain National Park management which allows hikers, runners, cyclists, etc. to make use of the area through the turnstile located at the main entrance. Vehicle access is not permitted at this stage as felling operations continue. SANParks urges users to be cautious when carrying out their activities in the area.
After the fire assessment at the Rhodes Tea Room has been finalized, the insurers appointed a Heritage Architect to oversee the construction work, and contractors were appointed to clean the damaged area and safeguard parts of the building to assess if some of the building material cannot be re-used. The possible re-building of the Rhodes Tea Room, however, is delayed as a result of discussions with the Department of Public Works who are the custodians of the land. The architect and technical department are busy drafting the bill of quantities and will offer guidance regarding the way forward.
