BMA SUSPENDS OPERATIONS AT PAFURI AND GIRIYONDO PORTS OF ENTRY DUE TO FLOODING
CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS ONLINE_EDITOR
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, wishes to inform the public that operations at the Pafuri Port of Entry and the Giriyondo Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to flooding in the two ports and surrounding areas.
Pafuri is a Port of Entry between South Africa and Mozambique, situated in the far northern region of the Kruger National Park. Pafuri Gate, which provides access to Pafuri Port of Entry and located approximately 30 km from the Port, has also been closed due to high flood water levels.
Giriyondo , also a port between South Africa and Mozambique is an important part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans across South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Earlier this afternoon, reports from the Kruger National Park rangers who are monitoring the area indicated that the water level at the Luvuvhu River bridge had risen by approximately half a metre compared to yesterday. Additional updates also confirmed that the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are currently overflowing, while the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity due to the continued heavy inflow of water.
Given that the Luvuvhu River runs adjacent to the Pafuri Port of Entry, the rapidly rising water levels have posed a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers, and infrastructure in the area. In the interest of ensuring the safety of all concerned, the Border Management Authority has taken the precautionary decision to suspend operations at the affected ports of entry until conditions improve.
All BMA staff members, Port Management Committee members and operational vehicles stationed at the affected ports were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure. There have been no injuries or damages to the infrastructure reported.
Travellers who intend to access Pafuri Gate are advised to use Punda Maria Gate as an alternative access point. Punda Maria Gate is located approximately 65 km from the Port of Entry and currently remains accessible.
The BMA continues to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with relevant authorities and park management officials. Operations will resume once it is deemed safe to do so.
The Border Management Authority remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all border operations while safeguarding the wellbeing of officials and the travelling public.
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