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Fungai Lupande Mashonaland Central Bureau
The Mavhuradonha Wilderness in Mashonaland Central, which was gazetted as a national monument in 2017, has been reduced to a shell due to rampant illegal mining, illegal settlers, poaching and deforestation. Mavhuradonha Wilderness, stretching along Pfura, Muzarabani, Guruve and Mbire Rural District Council, is the pride of Mashonaland Central, with high tourism potential.

Provincial administrator Mr Cosmos Chiringa said there was need for a multi-sectoral approach with both the public and private sector coming together to salvage the wilderness from wanton destruction of its flora and fauna.

“The pride of our province lies on this Mavhuradonha Wilderness,” he said. “Following the gazetting of Mavhuradonha Wilderness as a national monument, we had plans to officially pronounce the proclamation, but due to a change of ministries the plans were shelved.

“Mavhuradonha Wilderness is endowed with historic places of interest, wild animals and is high in tourism potential. It is a project that we should ride on in our devolution agenda, for us to talk about Mukumbura in Mt Darwin, Muzarabani and Kanyemba in Mbire is because of the Mavuradonha Range.

“The wilderness provided a corridor for wild animals and this is no longer happening because of illegal settlers who are staying at the top of the mountain, illegal mining and deforestation. There is need for an indaba by all stakeholders to come up with solutions on how to protect the wilderness.”

National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) regional director Mr Godhi Bvocho said all sectors must come together and create awareness for the community to know that Mavhuradonha Wilderness is a protected area.