WILDFIRE DESTROYS LIVELIHOODS AS LODGE GUTTED

GEBENI –Wildfire continues to cause massive destruction in the country.

This time, it has destroyed a lucrative business, a tourist attraction, and also placed 10 jobs in jeopardy. Wide Horizons Mountain Retreat, a lodge tucked away on the slopes of Makhungutsha Mountain, ceased operations yesterday, after a raging inferno burnt the establishment, causing staff to cancel bookings. Seven bedrooms for guests and five kitchens were burnt. A restaurant, which was to start operating on July 18, was not spared. There were no human casualties. Guests who were on site during the incident were evacuated.

The place was to be fully booked for July-August, meaning the business has suffered losses.  It has been established that archives, which included old photos of the place, were also reduced to ashes. The tennis court and natural rock swimming pool and two standalone private cottages, roofed with iron sheets, survived the wildfire. The main lodge, covering a wide area and standing close to the tennis court and swimming pool, was terribly destroyed. The lodge was burnt on Thursday at around 12:20pm. It is understood that staff was able to foresee that the fire, which came from the mountain direction, looked dangerous and might pose danger to the thatched cottages.

Alert

They were on high alert as early as 4am, with some neighbours and farm dwellers on standby to assist. They managed to contain it on the ground by ensuring that it did not spread to vegetations that could have fuelled it to spread quickly to other areas, including the lodge. However, it is suspected that wind carried the sparks ahead of the main fire. It must be said that the main fire was put under control, as it was extinguished when it was a few metres away from the lodge. But, the strong winds carried the sparks to the thatch farmhouse and other cottages which are used to accommodate guests. The place is frequented by international guests. In a public statement, management said it was with heavy hearts that they had to share the news of a devastating wildfire that struck the lodge. The statement was released by Kim and Robs Roques.

They said the severe winds and raging fires had been sweeping through many parts of Eswatini, causing widespread devastation.  They said it was unfortunate that Wide Horizons Mountain Retreat was not spared, despite the tireless efforts of its team that worked hard to save the lodge.  The directors disclosed that the fire has resulted in the complete loss of the main lodge and all its contents.  The lodge was the original stone and thatch building dating back to the 1950s. Additionally, they said Valley View and Rose Cottage, along with all their contents, have also been burnt to the ground.  “This is an immense and heartbreaking loss of decades of memories for all who hold Wide Horizons close to their hearts,” they said.

Gratitude

They extended their deepest gratitude to everyone who rushed to help during this crisis. “Special thanks go to the dedicated team from Wide Horizons who fought the fire from the early hours of the morning, however, despite their best efforts, we were unable to save the lodge,” the directors said. They also thanked the staff from Big Game Parks and All Out Africa, along with the Roques and Reilly families for their swift response and efforts to assist in putting out the fire. “Your support means so much, and we are very grateful for your efforts,” they said.
They are thankful that staff members are safe, and guests who were on-site during the incident were safely evacuated with all their belongings.  “As we write this, the embers are still burning, and our team is still at work, trying to manage the aftermath of this catastrophic event,” reads the statement.

On a positive note, they were grateful that the private cottages (Ligwalagwala, Aloe, and Adventure Cottage) were still standing and available for rental, along with the campsite and Adventure Centre. “By choosing to stay with us, you help preserve this natural heritage area and assist our team in rebuilding and conserving this special part of Eswatini for generations to come,” according to the statement. For all who treasure Wide Horizons as a special place, they said they were still in business and committed to picking up the pieces and working on the best way forward. “Your continued support means a lot as we embark on the path to recovery,” they said.Eswatini News could not ascertain the extent of the damage in monetary terms, as they were still to make some calculations.  The lodge is enriched by a stunning mountainous backdrop, vibrant and colourful gardens. It is said that it is a better place for those who like nature. Wildlife is also available to inspire and rejuvenate guests.

Animals

Guests stayed in the original stone and thatch farmhouse. All the accommodation options were within the nature reserve. It is a 200-hectare of wildlife estate. There are hiking trails, which provide an opportunity to see impala, zebra, nyala, wildebeest and other wildlife. The animals were spared. There are also some indigenous forests full of birdsong, cascading streams, impressive boulders, ancient caves, sculpture trail for some fun and flare. This is the life that wildfire has disrupted at Gebeni, past Dwaleni and Mpini communities. In 2020, runaway wildfire gutted a luxury KwaZulu-Natal private game lodge featured on Gordon Ramsay’s travel food show. Little was left of Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa, in mid-Illovo, after a wildfire ripped through the area, also leaving a trail of destruction across about 15 farms and destroying about 2 000ha of sugar cane. The fire was fanned by strong winds and spread rapidly across the region.

Shannon MacKenzie, owner of Gwahumbe, said staff and local community members had fought late into the night to try to save the lodge.  All guests were safely evacuated. Senior Superintendent Phi-ndile Vilakati, the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, said they worked closely with the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES) in mitigating fire risks or eliminating them thereof. She said they had some programmes in place wherein they reached out to communities to create awareness about the social and economic effects of wildfire. Vilakati said they engaged traditional leaders and community members during or just before the winter season. Where evidence is overwhelming, she said police would not hesitate to arrest the person or persons who started the fire. Mandla Dlamini who speaks on behalf of the ENFRES could not be reached for comment at 5pm yesterday.

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