Question NW1588 to the Minister of Tourism
17 June 2016 - NW1588
Krumbock, Mr GR to ask the Minister of Tourism
Whether any progress has been made regarding a decision to erect a tourism signage on the N3 directing motorists to the Howick Falls in KwaZulu-Natal; if not, (a) what steps has he taken to expedite such a decision and (b) when does he envisage that a final decision will be taken, in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department of Tourism had a meeting with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the Umngeni Local Municipality’s Town Planning and Signage Unit on 17 May 2016 to discuss and resolve the matter on directional signage in Howick.
(a) According to the Department of Transport, the Howick Falls form part of the Midlands Meander which has many attractions. This makes it difficult to sign every attraction. The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM) and Southern African Development Community Road Traffic Signs Manual (SADCRTSM) also require that attractions be signed from the nearest numbered route. The nearest numbered route from the Howick Falls is the R103. Thus according to the manual the Howick Falls should be signed from the R103 and not the N3.
In addition, the Department of Tourism has noted correspondence between SANRAL and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs dated
30 May 2016 where SANRAL advised that the application must be made with the Provincial Department of Transport.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs has committed to lodging a new application with the Provincial Department of Transport for the installation of directional signage. Both local and provincial governments have cited budgetary constraints.
(b) The Department of Tourism has taken a decision to make funding available and to work with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs to ensure that directional signage is erected from the nearest numbered route R103 to Howick Falls and Nelson Mandela Capture Site, within the current financial year.