Tourism and Environment

A tide of plastic waste threatens Zimbabwe’s environment and key industries

Published

3 years ago

November 1, 2021

BY JEFFEREY MOYO

Zimbabwe is drowning under a tide of plastic waste – discarded bottles, bags, straws, packaging and other single-use items.

According to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Zimbabwe generates about 300,000 tonness of plastic waste per year.

A significant proportion of that waste is dumped in the streets or other open areas, rather than recycled or properly disposed of.

“Plastic waste is everywhere,” says environmentalist Happison Chikova.

“You see it in towns and cities, in illegal dumpsites, on street pavements, in people’s backyards – just everywhere. It is an eyesore and it is harming the environment. And nothing is being done about it.”

A government effort in Zimbabwe to regulate the use of flimsy plastic carrier bags in 2010 ran into consumer resistance and failed.

While other African countries such as Rwanda have had some success with banning the importation and use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, Zimbabwe has lagged behind.

The consequences of that inaction will be felt for years to come, environmentalists and officials warn.

“Having 303,000 tonnes of plastic waste lying all over the place is an environmental menace,” says Amkela Sidange, environmental education manager at the EMA.

“Plastic waste clogs sewer pipes, which in turn causes some sewer lines to burst and spill sewage into the environment,” she says.

“Plastics also clog storm drains, causing flash flooding during heavy rains.

“And when we create these back-ups and resulting pools of water, we provide a breeding ground for disease-causing insects.”

A secondary effect of a despoiled environment is that tourism is discouraged, she adds.

“Plastics just fly all over; in some countries this is referred to as white pollution. When we have plastics flying all over, that reduces the aesthetic value of our environment and discourages tourism.”

Already, plastics are harming the agricultural and fishing industries, says environmentalist Kudakwashe Makanda.

“Reproduction of livestock and aquatic life is harmed by toxins in the plastic waste,” he says.

“Fish eat plastic and when we eat those fish we are also ingesting a carcinogenic material.”

Plastic waste deposits toxins into the soil and this affects the alkalinity or acidity of the soil, which subsequently affects crop yields, Makanda adds.

”And it can take close to 100 years for plastic to decompose. So it simply accumulates.”

The plastic waste problem is not confined to Zimbabwe.

Officials estimate that by 2050 the world’s tide of discarded plastic is likely to swell to 12 billion tonnes.

The United Nations Environment Programme says that only about 9% of the world’s plastic waste is recycled and only 12 percent incinerated.

The rest is either deposited in landfills or simply discarded in the environment, causing damage for years to come. – D+C

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

3 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

Published

4 weeks ago

March 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.

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ZimParks sounds alarm over mining threat to Hwange National Park

Published

4 weeks ago

March 6, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued a stern warning against a proposed mining project in Hwange National Park, citing catastrophic consequences for the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.

In a press statement released today, ZimParks urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to cancel the application for exclusive prospecting of mining activities in the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone.

The zone is a critical habitat for the critically endangered black rhino, listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix 1.

“The proposed mining project poses a significant threat to the survival of our black rhino population,” said a ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo. “It will increase the risk of species extinction and negatively impact population recovery efforts.”

ZimParks also expressed concerns over the potential environmental degradation, including land, air, and noise pollution, which would disrupt wildlife movement and visitor experiences.

“Hwange National Park is home to Africa’s second-largest elephant population, and mining activities may interfere with groundwater flow, threatening vital water sources,” Farawo added.

The park is also home to the Bumbusi ruins, a historical and cultural site of significance to the Nambian-speaking communities.

Traditional leaders from the region visit the area annually to conduct cultural rituals and rain-making ceremonies.

ZimParks has vowed to continue advocating for the safeguarding of critical wildlife habitats and upholding its commitment to conservation for the benefit of all Zimbabweans and future generations.

The authority has called on the government to prioritize conservation efforts and reject the mining application, citing the long-term benefits of preserving the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.

As the fate of Hwange National Park hangs in the balance, conservationists, tourists, and local communities wait with bated breath for the government’s decision.