Ngoni Dapira

CITY of Mutare has called on proposals for projects that will look into mountain tourism and sustainability with focus on Christmas Pass and Dangamvura mountains which have over the years been under threat from massive deforestation by wood poachers and urban farmers Easterntimeszim has learnt.

This was revealed by the town clerk Blessing Chafesuka during a recently held press briefing where he announced the local authority’s approved US$61 million 2025 budget.

Chafesuka said this suggestion was taken up during last year’s pre-budget consultations which bares testament that they incorporate the views of the people raised during budget consultations.

The breathtaking Christmas Pass.

“On the sustainability of Christmas Pass Mountain and Dangamvura Mountain we propose that they be used as tourism features. Those with proposals can bring them. Fruit forests were also suggested as a sustainability model. All these are proposals in the budget and interested parties can submit their proposals to partner with us,” said the Mutare municipality head during the presser.

The Eastern Highlands is coined the Switzerland of Africa because of its beautiful mountainous terrains. Mutare is surrounded by mountains with Christmas Pass Mountain and Dangamvura Mountain as its iconic mountains which it is identified with.

Mountain Tourism is a type of tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local community.

Dangamvura Mountain which is at the center of Mutare is a revered landmark that separates the city from its southern suburbs. It used to be considered sacred by local communities as it is home to a cemetery for provincial liberation war heroes. Christmas Pass Mountain along the Mutare-Harare highway is the entrance and exit feature known for its breathtaking views of the eastern border city, especially at night, whilst its natural dense vegetation creates a relaxing aura.

However, over the years deforestation by wood poachers and urban farmers clearing land for small pieces of land to cultivate crops on has led to serious desecration of the natural vegetation on the mountains. Dangamvura Mountain is now a shadow of itself due to massive deforestation.

Chafesuka said mountains are the sentinels of climate change adding that deforestation and illegal urban farming of crops in mountains leads to soil erosion which may be hazardous during heavy rainfalls and floods for nearby residential areas.

Global studies have shown that temperatures are rising more rapidly in mountain regions than at lower elevations, but there has been a lack of climate data for African mountains.

He added that illegal urban agriculture in open public places remains a huge problem urging people to desist from this practice which he says is one of the major root causes of the blockages of drainage systems in the city as well as siltation and pollution of Sakubva and Mutare rivers.

The need for urban agriculture has grown over the last 30 years, with the country’s economic upheavals bringing real hardships to urban residents across  the country. Urban farming in Zimbabwe is a growing practice where city dwellers cultivate food crops in their backyards, open spaces, and even on larger plots, but in most cases, if not in their residential premises, this land is not legally allowed to farm on.

“We have been facing resistance as people continue to farm along river beds, open spaces reserved as wetlands and on the foot of mountains which leads to massive soil erosion and blockage of our drainage system. We have tried campaigns and operations of destroying their crops but this is not helping,” he said.

Adding,“ In 2024 we invested a lot of money in cleaning drainages but the runoff from stream bank cultivation from the mountains chocks the drainage systems, which is why water enters buildings and houses destroying infrastructure when we experience heavy rains and floods,” said Chafesuka.

He warned people practicing illegal urban farming and said soon council officers will come and slash crops on open spaces or wetlands reserved.

“We will keep enforcing. People should not plant along river banks or cut trees in our mountains because the effects on our drainage system are severe. It also helps us manage flooding concerns that most people post on social media when there are heavy rains,” he said.

According to tourism researchers, mountains can aid tourism and bring in money for the people who live there. Many mountain towns around the world depend on tourists to support them. People in the town provide food and lodging for tourists who come to enjoy the nearby mountains.

Ecotourism is also another type of tourism that is focused on nature and aims to be environmentally responsible. It involves learning about the environment and local cultures as well as conservation to protect the environment and sustain local communities.

Chafesuka added that the City of Mutare will soon launch an institute of civil protection at its fire brigade department though partnerships. He said this will improve on the efficiency and mandate of the fire department. The institute will respond to natural disasters amongst other things.