SW Radio Africa (London)
Henry Makiwa
30 November 2007
Victoria Falls residents have successfully resisted plans by the government and the town council to build a football stadium in a game reserve.
The Victoria Falls town council last week faced severe opposition from environmentalists and residents, after it proposed to build a 50 000-seater stadium in Victoria Falls National Park. The council has now been forced to abandon the project after protests by members of the public.
Plans were already advanced for the construction of the stadium at Mkhosana site in the game park, when environmentalists and residents rang alarm bells. The site falls in a game corridor, which animals use to access the Zambezi River for water.
Environmentalists, led by the Environmental Management Authority, vigorously opposed the proposal, raising concern that building the stadium at Mkhosana would disrupt the ecosystem of the country's top tourist attraction. The environmentalists also warned that the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation could come down heavily on the country by withdrawing the 'World Heritage Site' status on Victoria Falls. The Falls are considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
Observers said the campaign by residents and environmentalists demonstrated the power citizens can have to effect changes of policy.
Victoria Falls resident Ozias Moyo said: "The government and this troop of spineless town councillors can have their way in some places, sometimes, but we stood against the erection of a stadium where it will kill our animals. We cannot be held ransom to the whims of the government just because they want to make a buck out of the World Cup, even at the expense of animals."
It is now understood that the Victoria Falls town council committee on the stadium project will now either renovate Chinotimba Stadium or the Victoria Falls Sports Club.
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