uMngeni Valley have recently agreed to develop an eco-friendly farmer’s market onsite, as part of its plan to attract visitors and stakeholders back to the reserve. In a partnership with Karkloof Market, who are requiring new premises, UVNR are developing a market area that will be used to to barter and sell organic products and eco-friendly arts and crafts.

The design of the structure will be based on using eco-friendly materials and installing renewable technologies for it to have minimal impact of the nature reserve. These technologies and materials include:

• Upcycled containers as ablutions, kiosks and storage.

• Rain water harvesting technologies through SBS Tanks.

• Solar energy installations to take the ablutions and market area off the grid.

• Natural products that blend into the local environment

• Natural wetland setup for natural sewerage treatment for the ablutions.

We are currently undergoing the EIA and municipal application process, but we expect the market to be up and running by mid-2016.

This opportunity ties in well with our vision to be a people-centred location that benefits all members of the local community.