adminFrom George Maponga in Masvingo
The provincial leadership here has submitted a final report to Government on the planned new Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) boundary that is finally expected to unlock nearly US$15 million funding for the project from the European Union.
The planned new boundary is part of a conservation project to save SVC by eradicating humans/wildlife conflict together with rampant poaching that were threatening the future wherewithal of the park located in the south-east Lowveld.
Upon completion the project is expected to breathe life in the Lowveld’s economy and create jobs in the wake of the anticipated tourism boom that had slowed down greatly because of challengers at SVC.
Extensive consultations, moderated by the Masvingo provincial leadership, between SVC property holders and land-hungry indigenous communities who occupied parts of the wildlife-rich and expansive habitat at the height of farm occupations at the turn of the millennium led to a breakthrough between the feuding parties.
Thousands of landless people who invaded parts of the habitat precipitated runaway humans/wildlife conflict while also damaging the perimeter fence around the mega park in the wake of increased poaching activities that ensued.
Consultations on the new SVC conservation project started after the EU pledged funding for the new planned wildlife corridor to separate humans from wildlife.
The EU also promised to finance sustainable agricultural projects for adjacent communities to reduce their propensity for illegal poaching activities, bringing to an end, a long standing impasse between conservancy operators and communities.
Talks to revive the stalled SVC conservancy project gained traction after the advent of the Second Republic buoyed by President Mnangagwa’s mantra Zimbabwe is open for business.
Masvingo provincial development co-ordinator Mr Fungai Mbetsa last week said the ball was now in EU’s court after a final report on the deal reached between the SVC operators and settlers was submitted to the European body.
According to Mr Mbetsa, the Chiredzi political leadership, including National Assembly representatives from the area also participated in the talks leading to the landmark agreement.
“We compiled a final report on the Save Valley conservation project which contains an agreement between the property owners and communities who previously had disagreements and copies of the agreement were submitted to the ministries of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry and Local Government and Public Works for onward transmission to the EU.”
“At the moment we have done our part and we now wait for the EU to give us feedback on the way forward after an agreement was struck towards SVC’s resuscitation,” said Mr Mbetsa.
The Masvingo provincial leadership was hopeful the submission of the final report would jolt the EU to release funding for the much-awaited project that is expected to bring sanity in the south-east Lowveld.
Under the SVC conservation project a double perimeter fence will be installed on the new boundary of the park to stem humans/wildlife conflict. Communities who used to lament the destruction of their homes and crops by straying wildlife will get irrigation schemes to help them achieve food self-sufficiency and also boost disposable incomes.
The conservancy is made of several properties some of which are protected under the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) with EU countries.
Save Valley shares a border with communities in Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi, Chipinge and Buhera who have been at the receiving end of straying animals that destroy crops, property and sometimes claiming life and limb.
Online Reporter