The government, conservation organisations, and tourism operators have intensified efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway detour, as major rehabilitation works continue on the busy route.
The detour between Cross Dete and Cross Mabale, which cuts through a wildlife-rich area bordering Hwange National Park, has raised concerns over increased risks of vehicle collisions with animals, prompting coordinated mitigation measures.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ briefing in Cross Dete on Monday, Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) marketing and communications manager Ronnie Sibanda said conservation groups had deployed teams along high-risk sections of the detour to protect both motorists and wildlife.
“Now that the detour is in place, PDC, along with other conservation organisations and tourism operators, is doing everything possible to reduce wildlife and human casualties during this period,” Sibanda said.
He explained that teams were guiding painted dogs and other wildlife away from the road, chasing animals to safety when heavy trucks approach, and maintaining roadside patrols equipped with “slow down” warning placards.
Sibanda also appealed to authorities to complement current efforts with permanent interventions, such as wildlife warning signage and speed-calming measures.
“We respectfully urge all road users to slow down, stay alert, and remember that this is a shared landscape,” he said.
“Development and conservation must go hand in hand, especially in areas of such high ecological importance.”
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