Bongani Ndlovu
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
A coalition of conservation organisations and tourism operators has mobilised alongside the Government to safeguard both wildlife and motorists during the critical rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway.
The major roadworks have necessitated the establishment of a significant detour between Cross Dete and Cross Mabale, a route that traverses a highly sensitive wildlife zone adjacent to Hwange National Park.
While essential for progress on the vital transport artery, the detour initially raised significant concerns among conservationists regarding the increased potential for dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Through a comprehensive whole-of-Government consultation process, these concerns were addressed to ensure the detour’s implementation minimised ecological disruption.
This collaborative approach has paved the way for proactive on-the-ground interventions led by the conservation community.
Leading the charge is Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), which has stationed its staff along high-risk sections of the detour.
Armed with “Slow Down” placards, teams are actively warning motorists to reduce speed and remain vigilant.
PDC’s marketing and communications manager, Ronnie Sibanda, confirmed the development.
“Now that the detour is here, PDC and other conservation organisations and tourism operators are doing everything to reduce wildlife and human carnage during this period,” he said.
He said their teams are actively guiding painted dogs away from the road when they are at risk, chasing dogs to safety when trucks approach, and maintaining roadside patrols with warning signs.
Mr Sibanda appealed to authorities for additional permanent measures such as wildlife warning signage and speed humps.
“We respectfully urge all road users to slow down, stay alert, and remember that this is a shared landscape.
“Development and conservation must go hand in hand, especially in areas of such high ecological importance. Wildlife cannot speak for itself; we will continue to stand in the gap,” he said.
The public-private partnership underscores a shared commitment to protecting Zimbabwe’s natural heritage while advancing national infrastructure, setting a precedent for collaborative stewardship.
Online Reporter