BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Residents of Victoria Falls are struggling to coexist with a large number of buffaloes that have taken over the streets of both high-density urban areas and low-residential areas.
The buffaloes seem to be everywhere, leaving residents frustrated and desperate.
Videos taken by residents and VicFallsLive, our media organization, show people trying to chase them away using sticks and rocks, but the buffaloes are undeterred.
This morning, three buffaloes blocked the road on Jakaranda Street, eating leaves from the trees and grass.
Despite the distress calls from residents, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) maintains that the buffaloes are within their habitat.
“I think we need to understand who is is saying there has been a growing trend of buffalos in Victoria Falls for an example, l think the numbers we have in Victoria Falls we don’t have much problems with them and this is what attracts tourists,”said Tinashe Farawo, Zimparks spokesperson.
“It’s a tourist town and one of the major draw-cuts for tourists is those buffalos. It is definitely their habitat that’s where they stay in the wild.”
However, residents disagree. They say the buffaloes are causing a nuisance and pose a danger to humans.
“We are working hard to make a living, and now we have to deal with these wild animals in our streets,” said Khulani Ncube.
In one incident, about 40 buffaloes blocked the road on Mkhosana Street near Kazungula Road, eating vegetables. “It’s like they own the place,” said Trymore Ndolo who witnessed the scene, adding that they might cause a casualty if action is not taken.
While the Zimparks says that the buffaloes are a tourist attraction, residents argue that their safety should come first.
“We understand that tourism is important, but what about our lives?” asked a resident.
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