NWPL COMMITTEE WELCOMES PROGRESS AT MANYANE GAME LODGE, RAISES CONCERNS OVER OUTSTANDING FIRE SAFETY MEASURES

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, chaired by Hon. Mpho Khunou, conducted an oversight visit to Manyane Game Lodge as part of the Legislature’s Oversight Week programme in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. The follow-up visit assessed progress on the refurbishment of Manyane Game Lodge, which commenced in 2024. The Committee also sought further clarity on the operational performance, financial sustainability and long-term viability of Mahikeng Hotel School.

During the visit, the Committee received briefings from the Department’s Director responsible for Infrastructure Projects, Mr Tlhopane, on the refurbishment of Manyane Game Lodge, and the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Mr Jonathan Denga, on progress, challenges and interventions at Mahikeng Hotel School. The Committee welcomed the progress reported at Manyane Game Lodge, where the infrastructure project is more than 75% complete. Completed work includes thatching, electrical installations, painting, internal chalet upgrades, tiling and water installations at the restaurant and conference facility.

However, the Committee expressed concern over delays in completing fireproofing measures, earthing and lightning protection, as well as establishing firebreaks to limit the spread of wildfires. It warned that outstanding safety measures could expose the facility to another fire incident and jeopardise the investment already made. The Committee further expressed concern that not all members of the project’s steering committee were present during the oversight visit. It consequently resolved to invite all steering committee members to appear before it and provide a comprehensive account of the project’s implementation status, expenditure, outstanding deliverables and anticipated completion timelines. Regarding Mahikeng Hotel School, the Committee welcomed the appointment of an Acting Chief Executive Officer and received a brief report on progress in implementing its previous recommendations.

The Committee noted progress towards commercialising the hotel, with processes underway to identify successful bidders. However, it expressed concern that budget and cash flow challenges had delayed the investigation into the electricity system and the assessment of monthly electricity and water consumption at staff facilities.
The Committee will continue to monitor both projects to ensure efficient implementation, completion of outstanding work and progress towards sustainable operations