Sani Pass Upgrade

Anyone know the current status - I'm hoping to go up next weekend.

Also - any ideas for a less expensive way of going up? Sani Top charges R250 pp each way, I'm hoping there is a cheaper option. We currently have a team of 6. Still kind of hoping that someone with a 4X4 will join the group

Whether for or against this...this is likely to be the same as both Sterkfontein Road and Sentinel Road 'upgrades'.

Going slowly at first, then going nowhere, then going backwards.

Anyone have a recent update on progress of this upgrade, maybe you were in the area?

I searched online, but cannot find updates to progress or current state of upgrade.

Did it start? How far are they if so?

The pass is still all dirt and gravel but it becomes tar from the Lesotho border post at the top. Quite an impressive tar road actually. Was there in June and there was absolutely no sign of construction on the SA side.

HFc wrote: Whether for or against this...this is likely to be the same as both Sterkfontein Road and Sentinel Road 'upgrades'.

Going slowly at first, then going nowhere, then going backwards.

Seems prophetic.

Hi, I'm no environmentalist, but thoroughly enjoy the Drakensberg.  I'm fairly familiar with Sani Pass, I have probably traversed it either in my trusty Isuzu 4x4, or on an XT500 about 25 times. First time was in 1982 on my XT. I'm not an expert though, as Sani can be full of surprises.  And caution is always necessary!! 
My concern with tarring is the prevention of icing in Winter. The addition of salt will be necessary,  however what effect with this salt have on the surrounding vegetation once the ice melts and carries the ice down via streams and into the rivers? And the salt required will not be 4 table spoons either!!

Tarring will also encourage added tourism which in a way is very good,  but tragically will bring too, those that are not so disciplined with their refuse. Why chip packets, cold drink cans can't remain in the vehicle until a suitable disposal drum is found, never ceases to amaze me.

Hi
I fail to see the purpose of moving the border post closer to the SA one. The awesome, magnificent views of the mountains and the grandeur of the majesticness of the Drakensberg,  can only be diminished and downgraded with the addition of a border post building to alter badly these spectacular views. It will lead to further pollution etc.

Will the Basutho staff still be housed at the top, or will they too be housed at the border post? 
I'm fairly familiar with the pass and there is very little flat enough land to build a border post on the pass. My opinion of course! Lol