admin
Since the construction of the restaurant, expenditure in Victoria Falls, especially by the day-trippers, has increased as tourists like the restaurant.
However, in a questionnaire signed by EA’s country manager Mr Namo Chuma on 25 February this year before the construction of the restaurant, he noted the following points which he said should be addressed: trees should not be disturbed and that the structure’s height should be within tree level; that there should be a limit to heavy equipment on site and that there should be use of an environmentally sensible material and colours.
Observers and stakeholders in the tourism sector said EA should not back track on its earlier decision to have the restaurant constructed.
They said its new stance should be treated with suspicion since the tourism sector was projected to grow by seven percent.
Last week, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Engineer Walter Mzembi called on EA to visit other World Heritage Sites for exposure.
“I trust the judgment of parks and wildlife who I understand blessed the project.
“Secondly exposure is the best education, I encourage Environment Africa to visit similar places such as Iguassu in Brazil and Niagara Falls and see if anything extraordinary has been done in Victoria Falls.
“Notwithstanding if David Livingstone was to resurrect he would not get lost in the Victoria Falls for the setting is as original as during his visit.
“He would probably congratulate us for this minor hospitality innovation,” said Eng Mzembi.
Contacted for comment, Mr Chuma defended the position of his organisation, saying that the questionnaire he was given only mentioned upgrading existing facilities.
Online Reporter