Villagers in Chiredzi, Bikita send SOS over human wildlife conflict

SAMUEL NJINGA

Villagers in Chiredzi and Bikita districts have pleaded with the government to assist in stopping predators from terrorising people and destroying crops and livestock.

It comes at a time when human wildlife conflicts are now rampant in Chiredzi North and Bikita South.

“Our life is in danger. We pray that the responsible authorities intervene so as to save us from this calamity. What is alarming us most is the manner in which these animals are frequenting water sources that we have. They are now sharing the same sources of water with us. This is making us live in fear as it is no longer safe to tread around river banks and some traditional pools found in the area. Fishing is no longer feasible,” a villager in Chiredzi,Tichaona Mangwende told Business Times.

Bikita South Member of Parliament, Josiah Sithole weighed in saying: “These animals break away from the Save Conservancy in Chiredzi North. Members of the public often meet these animals during the night especially during the summer. Most of the affected communities are those in the resettlement areas as well as those around Ward 3 and 27 in Bikita South.

Also equally affected are those who reside in Chiredzi North due to water problems particularly for those settlement patterns along the Tugwi River. Together with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management authorities, we have done our best to conscientious members of the community to desist from walking during late hours.

We also hope that the recent campaign on Campfire programmes will go a long way in getting rid of this challenge.”

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, confirmed that the authority has been receiving reports on human wildlife conflict.

“We have been receiving various reports with regards to human-wildlife conflict throughout the year. Members of the public should be well informed that animals are dangerous when provoked. They should try as much as possible to avoid stoning them or attempting to fight them once they come across them. It is prudent that they raise us.”

He added: “Once it is a dry season animals go about desperately looking for water. It is during this time that they are attacked by human beings, aggravating them to fight back.”