Nkayi villagers reclaim gullies

VILLAGERS from Nkayi District in Matabeleland North province have embarked on a reclamation of gullies project, as part of efforts to protect key infrastructure such as roads while enhancing environmental preservation.

Gullies are undesirable water streams formed due to soil erosion and usually result in significant damage to the environment.

When travelling to some areas of Nkayi, one can easily spot the danger posed by the gullies as they are intruding into the main road. In some instances, key infrastructure like schools, arable land, water points, clinics and homesteads are standing in harm’s way.

To remedy the situation, villagers, with technical assistance from Amalima Loko Programme through funding from Usaid,have taken steps to address the challenge.

Amalima Loko also operates in Tsholotsho, Binga, Lupane and Hwange.

The restoration of gullies in Nkayi was initiated by locals who resolved to reclaim gullies using locally available material, with Amalima Loko providing technical support in collaboration with key Government agencies such as Agritex, Veterinary Services, Environmental Management Agency and the Forestry Commission.

Technical field officer for Amalima in Nkayi, Mr Robert Msipha, said the programme was being implemented under the watershed management focus.

“The main challenge in Nkayi is that it has very loose soils, which are easily washed away. Many challenges come with this because if left unchecked, these gullies affect key infrastructure like schools, roads, health centres and even boreholes,” he said.

Mr Msipha said the method used for gulley reclamation depends on the available material but in most cases they use stones.

**Some of gulley reclamation methods being used in Nkayi District by villagers with technical assistance from Amalima Loko and Government departments**

“At Tsheli centre,we used the stone gabion method, where we put stones to block the gullies and stop soil from moving. The blocked soil piles up until the gully is completely closed,” he said.

Mr Msipa said in wards where there are no stones, they use methods like brush wood where wood and pruned tree branches are used to block the soil.

“We also use the stone silt traps method in areas where gullies are developing. We lay the stones so that they break or reduce water velocity thus trapping the soil.”

Mr Msipha said gulley reclamation was critical in protecting critical infrastructure and reversing siltation of dams, which affect water storage.

EMA provincial education and publicity officer for Matabeleland North province, Mrs Mildred Matunga, commended the communities for taking the initiative.

“The topography of Nkayi is characterised by steep slopes and uneven terrain, which makes it easier for water to accumulate and flow downhill, increasing the erosive power of the water. Nkayi is also characterised by sodic soils, loose clay-like soils that are easily eroded by rainwater, which slow water infiltration,” said Mrs Matunga.

She commended the partnership between locals and support agencies to protect the environment.

“With the guidance of these natural resources officers, the community has been capacitated on sustainable conservation methods,” said Mrs Matunga. —@themkhust