The debate over tarring one of South Africa’s most renowned strips of dirt is proving to create quite a stir as various stakeholders continue to share their feelings and opinions on the matter.
The upgrading and tarring of the road leading to Sani Pass from Himeville (as Phase 1 of the project) has already commenced. The debate is over phase 2 which involves a complete re-grading and resurfacing of Sani Pass from to a hardened surface, all-weather road. This includes road widening, re-alignment of sections, new bridges, storm-water control and attenuation systems, bank and slope stabilisation and road servitude rehabilitation.
The proposal originates from an agreement between the governments of both South Africa and Lesotho, who argue that it will promote trade and economic ties between the two countries, and that it will boost tourism in the area, rather than harm it.
The majority however appear to be against the upgrade. Businessmen, tour operators, tourists and locals on either side of the border feel that it would rob the region of its scenic beauty and remote, African feel, that it would lead to an increase in unwanted traffic and associated pollution, and that it would lead to an increase in road accidents. Most feel that tourism would be negatively affected (including tourists themselves), since less people would want to experience the pass once it is tarred, and fewer guests would stop in at the local lodges and along the way.
The Facebook Group ‘Help Save South Africa’s “SANI PASS” from being tarred!!’ currently has almost 6300 members - a clear indication of the support against the upgrade.
The Wildlife and Environment Society of SA conducted a well-know survey on visitors using the pass over 2007 and 2008. The results indicated a clear majority were opposed to tarring the pass. Vertical Endeavour hosted a simple opinion poll on this site from August 2008 to September 2009, titled “Should Sani Pass be tarred?”. The results were also clear: of the 92 voters, 80 voted No (87%), 10 voted Yes (10.9%) and 2 were undecided (2.2%).
The Final Scoping Report of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed upgrade has been released by GIBB, the consulting company undertaking the assessment, and is available on their website. Be sure to check out http://projects.gibb.co.za/Projects/ProposedUpgradeoftheSaniPassRoadP318.aspx for a list of detailed download-able documents, including the Final Scoping Report, various maps and figures, and details of various affected parties and the minutes of meetings held with them. For those that are interested, a lot of detail can be gleaned here. For the convenience of site members, the Environmental Impact Assessment can be downloaded here.
Of the many media articles written on the issue, check out one of the more recent ones published by the Sunday Times in December 2009: http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article231099.ece
Regardless of what happens, it is hoped that the preservation of the Maloti-Drakensberg is taken to heart, and that eco-friendly tourism can be maintained in a way that is beneficial to all.
