Sani Pass to be tarred

[Ispeed_V]

To all of us MTB'ers that have ridden the Sani Pass for the true exhilaration of the experience that is going to be no more. :thumbdown:

 

 

Durban - The tarring of Sani Pass has been approved by Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, the KwaZulu-Natal transport department announced on Wednesday.

The road, famed for being a gruelling 4x4 vehicle drive, links Underberg with Mokhotlong.

KwaZulu-Natal transport MEC Willies Mchunu said that the tarring of the road would improve trade relations between South Africa and Lesotho.

"As well, seamless and legal movement of people between the two countries will help strengthen our economic ties, grow shared opportunities and ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial development for both countries," said Mchunu.

The announcement that the road would be tarred follows a lengthy opposition campaign from tour operators and community members in the Underberg area.

Environmental groups were also at loggerheads over the benefit of having the road tarred.

The Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa was one of the groups opposed while the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife were in favour of the project.

"From an environmental perspective, it makes economic sense to upgrade the road from gravel to tar as gravel roads require regular maintenance every two years. Furthermore, retaining the road in its gravel state will actually negatively impact the surrounding environment," said Mchunu.

 

Top gravel

Russel Suchet, a tour operator, said: "We are extremely disappointed."

He had been a part of a concerted effort to keep the top portion of the pass gravel.

He said that the appeal of the pass was its gravel status.

Initially when the tarring of the pass had been mooted many locals opposed the proposal.

The department of environmental affairs approved the upgrading of the road as long as the final 5km stretch up the pass to the border post remained gravel.

Mchunu said that the total cost of upgrading the 19km from Old Good Hope Trading Post to the summit of the Sani Pass at the border post would cost R887m.

[Falco]

To all of us MTB'ers that have ridden the Sani Pass for the true exhilaration of the experience that is going to be no more.

 

As they say: When one door closes, another opens.

 

It may be no more for the dirty people, but I would imagine that a few of my fellow roadies are already warming up their legs in eager anticipation.

[Gen]

Flip.. I just read that.. jissie.. okay I have never ridden it.. but I have heard so much.. darn man.

 

 

[Mojoman]

Well I am glad I got to take my 1992 'Sani' up the Sani when we did then (and watched a poor old Ford Ranger with Diff lock slowly die on the way up!)

 

But I was somewhat disappointed after driving all that way down as I found the Sani Pass in pretty good condition and actually thought Breedts Nek pass here was more of a challenge! I did love our 2 days in Lesotho though and would go back anytime.

[Skott5]

This was supposed to have happened 10 years ago already.

About the fifth time it has been approved.

Lets see if it actually happens

[Jigghead]

When is this going to happen? I'd like to climb it at least once before it's lost forever, although knowing the level of workmanship displayed by our government contractors, it'll be gravel again soon enough.

[blondeonabike]

I did sani, untrained and unfit, two years ago weighing 8kgs more than I do now......an epic tale of pain and suffering.... would rather deliver another kid without an epidural thanks!

But now things are much different and my OH and I have been talking about going back and really being able to enjoy this time!

[Jakkals.]

When is this going to happen? I'd like to climb it at least once before it's lost forever, although knowing the level of workmanship displayed by our government contractors, it'll be gravel again soon enough.

 

I'm thinking the same, have to ride it up before it gets tarred.

 

Been up there with a vehicle(with only diff lock) and the view is just unbelievable from the top.

[Jakkals.]

Hub getaway weekend

[Brian Fantana]

It is an awesome place. I am really glad I rode up there before they tar it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Karooryder]

Do I hear "Tour de Sani" for the roadies...?

 

Jokes aside...it really is a pity - the Pass has always been quite an adrenaline rush in terms of both 4x4 off-roading and MTBing. But, having worked in the area on many occasions I think it is also an overdue necessity for local communities in terms of the development of the area...with better access comes many things - principally proper basic services. Anyways, let's see if it actually materializes this time round.

[Brian Fantana]

 

 

 

[blondeonabike]

Hub getaway weekend

make it happen, we'll booked out the Himeville Arms

[tombeej]

The article says 'a gruelling 4x4' trip. Not it's just a dirt road with some tight switchbacks at the top. Banged up taxis jammed with 20 people go up no problem. As well as the regular coke trucks that service the hotel at the top.

 

What pissed me off about that article was the small-minded, selfish attitude of the tour operators acting like they own the road and want to hold back essential progress for the whole region just because it doesn't suit them. Imagine we still had Sir Lowries pass or Van Reenens pass forced to remain dirt.

 

As Falco said, it will just become a new opportunity to ride up it on your road bike. It’s not going anywhere!

[Red Zone]

Oh No, not more progress. Damn and I just got over the disappointment of not living in a mud hut anymore

[Karooryder]

What pissed me off about that article was the small-minded, selfish attitude of the tour operators acting like they own the road and want to hold back essential progress for the whole region just because it doesn't suit them. Imagine we still had Sir Lowries pass or Van Reenens pass forced to remain dirt.

 

Very true, little to no part of revenue generated by tourism in the area actually goes back to the local communities.