HILLARY MUNEDZI
A Belgian non-governmental organisation, APOPO, has so far cleared 6 200 landmines and other explosives along the Sengwe Wildlife Corridor, located in the Chiredzi district, Masvingo Province, Business Times can report.
The move is meant to free local population of and the wildlife from the threat of landmines, which have remained in place for over four decades. It also opens up eco-tourism opportunities.
It comes at a time when Zimbabwe is targeting to clear all landmines by 2025.
The landmines along Sengwe, which is one of the world’s largest conservation, prevent free movement of wild life between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park.
“For decades, residents have lived in fear of landmines, frightened for the safety of their children and unable to use the land to graze livestock or collect natural resources. APOPO is clearing these landmines laid over four decades ago during the liberation struggle.
…APOPO found and destroyed over 6 250 landmines and other explosives,” APOPO communications manager, Lily Shallom said.
She said the landmines scare away safari and conservation-focused eco-tourism operators resulting in Kruger National Park receiving a massive influx of tourists of nearly 2m a year. Some of these, she said, could potentially travel up the Sengwe Corridor and into Gonarezhou National Park without requiring a visa or without leaving the conservation area.
This means Gonarezhou receives few international tourists because of the fear of landmines.
“By clearing the landmines, APOPO is opening up the area for development, agriculture and eco-tourism to thrive ,bringing many benefits for the nearby communities .It will enable conservation authorities to reconnect ecological systems ,as well as develop wildlife conservation as a land use option that not only improve people’s livelihoods but also the wellbeing of wildlife in the area .The project supports Zimbabwe’s efforts of becoming landmine free by 2025,” Shallom said.
According to Zimbabwe Mine Action, total of US$65.6m is required to meet the 2025 target .
APOPO recently received funding from its donors including the Swiss Embassy in Harare and the United States Government.
“….APOPO managed to secure funding and has recruited 50 deminers.
APOPO estimates it will find and destroy about 15 300 antipersonnel landmines over the performance period along the Cordon Sanitaire minefield that affects the Sengwe Wildlife Corridor.
APOPO believes it will complete the task by 2025 or before with consistent or additional donor support.
“It is a little early to tell you if we are on track for this year’s targets as we have just finished the first quarter, but we are hopeful we will achieve our targets,” Shallom said.
