Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, says the Government is working tirelessly to address pressing issues, including human-wildlife conflicts, affecting communities in Buhera.
Addressing stakeholders during a visit to the district this week, Minister Mugadza stated that human-wildlife conflict is exacerbating existing challenges, including food insecurity, hunger, and drought, which are prevalent in the district.
He announced that the Government has initiated plans to establish irrigation schemes to mitigate the situation.
Speaking in Buhera, Minister Mugadza said human-wildlife conflict is adding to the already existing challenges of famine, hunger, and drought, which are synonymous with the district.
The Government has initiated plans to establish irrigation schemes to alleviate the situation. Minister Mugadza’s assurances come as communities in Buhera continue to grapple with the impacts of human-wildlife conflict, which has led to loss of livelihoods and property.
“The Government acknowledges the challenges facing the people of Buhera,” said Advocate Mugadza.
“The district has for years endured human-wildlife conflict, especially the devastating encounters with hyenas that threaten both livestock and human safety. Crocodile attacks, particularly around water bodies, continue to put lives at risk.
“Famine and recurrent droughts have been worsened by climate change, resulting in food insecurity and reduced household income. As Government, we are not blind to these realities. We are working with relevant ministries and agencies to enhance wildlife management, strengthen early-warning systems and support compensation frameworks and increase food security interventions.
“The solutions may not be instant, but they are in motion and together we will overcome these obstacles. Government is committed to expanding irrigation schemes and ensuring water security in communities in an attempt to mitigate the impact of drought and climate change. Ruti Dam is one of Buhera’s hidden gems. The Government is working closely with local leadership to transform this dam into a tourism and recreational hub.”
He said plans to develop this site into a centre of irrigation, fishing, boating, hospitality and cultural tourism represent an important step toward diversifying the district’s economy.
Buhera Rural District Council chairman, Alderman Thomas Matsenhura, said human wildlife conflict has been exacerbated by the increasing population of hyenas and warthogs and the escaping of lions, buffalos from the porous Save Conservancy in the neighbouring Bikita district.
“Hyenas and warthogs have multiplied significantly and are attacking domestic animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys,” he said.
“This is leaving the already poor people in deep poverty after losing their valuable livestock. Hyenas are now being spotted in broad daylight and are even attacking humans. We also have a perennial challenge of wild animals escaping from the Save Conservancy and wreaking havoc in Buhera South and Central constituencies.
“Buffaloes are the most problematic as they attack people and also spread foot and mouth disease affecting people’s livestock. We welcome the government’s intervention to this problem so that people are protected.”
