Update

GEORGE NEWS - The procurement process for repairs to Wilderness’s popular Waterside Boardwalk has been finalised, but work has yet to resume as the appointed service provider secures funding.

Phokela Lebea, communications officer for the Garden Route National Park, confirmed that SANParks has issued a purchase order to the successful service provider.

“Unfortunately the service provider has been mobilising funds to be able to do the work,” he said.

“Hopefully in no time, we will start seeing work going on at the boardwalk. It’s been a very difficult and long situation with this procurement process.”

Lebea did not provide a confirmed restart or completion date in his latest response.

The boardwalk, which follows the Touw River, sustained damage through repeated flooding and natural weathering. 

Refurbishment began on 11 November last year, with work including the replacement of worn timber sections and reinforcement of the structure’s framework.

In March, Lebea said the project had stalled after an appointed supplier failed to deliver the required timber within the agreed timeframe. At that stage, labour contractors were completing what they could with the available material while SANParks sought a replacement service provider.

Although procurement has now been concluded, visitors will have to wait longer for repairs to resume.

Visitors are urged to follow safety signage and use designated alternative routes within the park while repairs remain outstanding.

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