Victoria Falls residents have expressed concern about the over-development of the city which they said threatens wild animals’ habitat. Speaking at a stakeholder meeting organized by the Victoria Falls City Council, residents said the tourism destination risks losing its attractiveness as animals are slowly migrating.
Animals such as baboons, warthogs, monkeys and even elephants and buffaloes used to freely move in the city’s central business district and residential areas but lately they have disappeared and only occasionally enter the city. Residents have said this is because animal corridors have been sealed by construction of houses and lodges.
“Kelvin Sianaka, a senior resident said: “There are no more animal corridors. We are literally driving animals away and saying we don’t want tourism anymore, and 50 years from now we will be without any wild animal here. Ten years ago buffaloes would be grazing in the central business district and you would not walk around at night, but now they have disappeared. Even monkeys are no longer a menace on the streets.” He implored developers to balance between tourism business and sustainable wildlife conservation and management.
“Victoria Falls is what it is because of wildlife. It is important to consider this when planning for growth of the city because as it is animals have nowhere to roam in the city,” said a resident, Trymore Ndolo.
Eunice Moyo echoed the same sentiments and said even the Zambezi River risk drying up because of violation of is sacredness by land developers. “Zambezi River should be respected. This river is not ordinary but we have people building anyhow closer to the river blocking animal corridors. The river used to bring light showers across the city but now if you check the showers no longer reach the CBD, that’s a sign that the gods are not happy,” said Moyo.
“Zambezi River will soon dry up. During Covid-19 the river was full throughout because there were no people going there and now look at what is happening. We need to go get traditional leaders and custodians of this place to appease the spirit. We cannot be closing off animal corridors and expect the gods to be happy.”
Daniel Mumpande, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Matabeleland North regional manager concurred with residents calling for sustainable tourism to protect the destination.
The City of Victoria Falls is crafting a master plan to regulate development in the city. The masterplan will monitor construction on undesignated and prohibited areas and consultation with residents have already begin.
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO heritage site and home to the World Natural Wonder which should be kept in its natural form with minimal disturbance to the environment. Buildings are technically restricted to less than 15 meters above ground and should not exceed the height of trees. Animals should also be allowed to roam freely with known corridors not expected to be closed off.
