Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has secured about US$170 000 grant from the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (Kaza-TFCA) to rehabilitate the Maitengwe Dam wall in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South. The water body’s wall collapsed in 2005 leading to a serious human-wildlife conflict as wild animals were now roaming in the villages in search of water.
The dam is a major source of water for domestic and wild animals and its collapse has seen wild animals invading communities in search of water and in the process attacking people and destroying properties.
Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (Campfire) Association of Zimbabwe secretary general, Mr Charles Jonga, confirmed the funding from Kaza-TFCA. “I’m not in a position to say what exactly happened but only to say that indeed something big towards rehabilitation of the Maitengwe Dam is coming up. We are all excited by this as it will indeed be a game changer in terms of addressing the challenges to do with human/ wildlife conflict,” said Mr Jonga.
A close source within the local authority confirmed the US$170 000 package but declined to be quoted citing restrictions in terms of speaking to the media. The resuscitation of the dam is expected to also result in Bulilima District realising more benefits from trophy hunting proceeds.
The Campfire Association is a registered private voluntary organisation mandated to support Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) in Zimbabwe.
Since the 1980s, the Campfire programme has sought to improve the living standards of rural communities through sustainable use of natural resources, especially wildlife.
Online Reporter