A CLONE OF LONDON’S HYDE PARK IN H-TOWN

Maria Chiguvari

WESTPROP Holdings want to create something close to London’s iconic Hyde Park in Harare and have set aside US$1 million for the mega eco-friendly project.

The mission is to transform the core wetland at Millennium Park in Borrowdale West into a nature park.

The facility will include walkways, cycling tracks, bird viewing points, fishing areas and canoeing facilities.

WestProp chief executive, Ken Sharpe, said the park would restore and beautify the wetland, which was “near dead” and use green infrastructure to manage storm water, reduce flooding and improve water quality by filtering pollutants.

He said wetland parks helped to promote sustainable urban development.

“In between our lifestyle developments of Pokugara and Millennium Heights exists a ‘near dead wetland’ which we are going to restore and beautify into a nature park thus allowing it to naturally regenerate and in turn bring people and nature together.

“We have set aside US$1 million for the project and the designs are now available for public input and everyone is welcome to contribute to make this a reality.

“The project fits very well into our live, work, shop and play theme as residents in the aforementioned residential estates would be able to enjoy recreational amenities within the gated community and Zimbabweans at large.

“We will plant suitable tree species and lawns while preserving the existing vegetation,” said Sharpe.

He said his organisation is eager to see environmental sustainability, co-existence and thriving of ecosystems.

“Our park, will be a symbol of ecological city development, owing to its remarkable ecological, economic, and social benefits that include, and not limited to, provision of green infrastructure that helps manage storm water, reduce flooding and improve water quality by filtering pollutants.

“This will be a major attraction when Zimbabwe hosts COP 25 in 2025 as this will demonstrate the friendship between nature and human beings.

“We are prepared to work with all like-minded people to make this project a success. It is our considered view that wetland parks are an excellent way to promote sustainable urban development and improve the quality of life for people living in built-up areas.”

The project received an Environmental Impact Certificate in December 2015.

“We instigated measures to ensure the sewer lines which run behind Dandaro were unblocked as they perennially were subject to sabotage.

“We have security details within the vlei limiting the soil poaching and dumping of rubbish. It is our considered view that development of the Wetland in a coordinated and sustainable manner is the best approach and in line with our environmental management plan that mitigates against harmful effects to the wetland.

“We applaud Government agencies that quickly moved in to avert a pending disaster that would have occurred had houses been built on the vlei.

“We appreciate the swift move and the exemplary manner in which the culprits are being made accountable.”