Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Hwange
THE Government has assured the nation that the ongoing critical rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road is being executed with the highest regard for wildlife and environmental protection, particularly in the ecologically sensitive corridor near the Hwange National Park.
This assurance was made by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Joy Makumbe, during a media tour of the road project in Hwange this Friday.
The assurance aimed to provide clarity following concerns raised by some wildlife activists, who alleged the construction works were causing significant disruption to animal movements and habitats in the area.
Engineer Makumbe emphasised that the project is a product of an all of Government approach, involving close collaboration between her ministry and other key stakeholders.
She detailed that the Ministries of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and Local Government and Public Works are integral partners in the process.
“In the rehabilitation of the road, of importance we considered the issue of animals and more reserves, how we protect our animals.
“As a ministry we also work with other ministries that have to do with wildlife, that have to do with conservation. We all work together so that at the end of the day the projects that we do speak to sustainability, speak to feasibility and speak to efficiency,” she said.
She acknowledged that while some environmental impact is inevitable, the strategy is to minimise destruction and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
“We had a meeting with various stakeholders to see how best we could execute the project here on this road with minimal disturbance to the environment,” she explained, noting the presence of the Provincial Road Engineer for Matabeleland North and agencies responsible for wildlife preservation.
She confirmed that consultations are ongoing, ensuring that construction methods align with conservation principles.
She reiterated that the vital upgrade to a key tourism and trade artery will not come at the expense of Zimbabwe’s precious natural heritage.
