In the community

World Vision transforms Lupane communities

Published

9 months ago

August 1, 2024

BY BAYANDA NKATHA

In a region where access to clean water was once a luxury, World Vision Zimbabwe has brought hope and hydration to over 1 200 households in Lupane.

Since 2022, the organization has invested a staggering US$700 000 in 25 piped water schemes, revolutionizing the lives of communities in Chiefs Mabhikwa and Menyezwa areas.

The impact is palpable at BH42 Primary School in Masukume, where a newly commissioned piped water scheme is quenching the thirst of students and the surrounding community.

This is just one of the many projects implemented by World Vision in partnership with the government of Zimbabwe, local authorities, and traditional leaders.

“We are thankful for the partnership we have with Government, traditional leaders, communities, and children,” said Morris Chidavaenzi, World Vision’s Wash technical advisor on Wednesday at the school.

“Most importantly, we want children to be protected as we value people. Availability of water will help protect children’s lives and health.”

The benefits of these projects extend far beyond just access to clean water. They also promote education, health, livelihoods, economic empowerment, and sanitation in all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.

As former Lupane West Junior legislator Shallom Mtandiko noted, “Let us utilize this water to enhance our children’s education and protect the girl child.”

Lupane District Development Coordinator Ennerty Sithole praised World Vision as “all-weather partners” who have brought comprehensive development to the region. “We are grateful for what our partner World Vision has done… They are here to complement Government in development.”

As the El Nino-induced drought grips Zimbabwe, World Vision’s investment in water and sanitation is a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of water, these communities are empowered to build a brighter future, one drop at a time.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

3 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

1 month 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.