Dear All

My header is Nkana Golf Club. How beautiful is that. Mopani Copper Mines has spent a few million dollars on renovations and still pays for staff and maintenance costs. But it is a well worth it for visitors like me to see. Whether they will be able to keep it going with the problems of lower copper price (less than half its value now from 2011), irratic government legislation and with the electricity shortage, only time will tell.

Trip to the Copperbelt

Last week I travelled to the Copperbelt to have a look around. Although Ndola is only about 800 km from Livingstone I knew that I would never reach there in one day because of the time it would take to get through Lusaka. I stopped on the way at Ibis Gardens about 70 km from Lusaka.

The road from Lusaka north is hectic with every other vehicle being a truck, it seemed to me. All the fuel trucks head towards Indeni, near Ndola, and masses of other trucks are taking supplies to the mines. It wasn’t fun and I had to have my wits about me not to have an accident. Thinking of accidents, I saw 5 trucks on their side during the trip, 2 of them were still smouldering after their crash; all of them with their loads strewn over the side of the road.

The road is generally good tar with just a few rough patches. But there were loads of road blocks. On the dual carriageway between Ndola and Kitwe there were three road blocks delaying the traffi c. On the return journey from Ndola the traffi c was backed up for miles about 15 km outside of Lusaka. As I joined the queue, I assumed that there were either road works or an accident further up the road. I was to fi nd out, after shunting along for 20 minutes, that it was a road block. I have to say that when the other drivers noticed that it was a road block and therefore avoidable, they went potty driving off the road to bypass it. It was mayhem and even the police looked harassed at the situation they had caused.

Ibis Gardens

I stayed two nights in Kitwe touring the sights and then Ndola for a night. I was doing a bit of research for my new guide so you will fi nd my stories there in a couple of months when the guide is printed. Of interest to us here in Livingstone is that, although the traffi c was congested on the outskirts of both towns as I negotiated the industrial areas, inside both Kitwe and Ndola, the traffi c was quite peaceful. At fi rst I couldn’t work out why but then I realised that there were very few taxis. In fact, I can’t remember seeing one! There were minibuses but they were very well-behaved with no ‘bus-boys’ hanging out of the door shouting. It was a real pleasure to drive around the central areas of both towns. We really need to look at Livingstone and its taxi situation. I have nothing against taxi drivers because they do a job but in Livingstone we have at least 1,000 of them, some people saying it is much more. Personally, I am not a fan of minibuses but I would be in favour of 20-seater buses running scheduled routes between Livingstone town and the suburbs.

The other thing I noticed was the lack of road signage in the north. Between Lusaka and Ndola I noticed only a few signs to tell drivers anything. There were no signs to indicate turnings, no signs to tell drivers of distances, no signs to tell anyone anything. If we are ever to promote tourism in Zambia we have to have lots of road signs. On the turnoff to Mpika and northern Zambia, there was a sign on the northward road but none on the southbound road! If I remember correctly, the sign to Mpongwe was plastered with political posters.

When I was trying to fi nd my way around Ndola I failed. The road names had virtually all gone. I eventually found the Copperbelt Museum after several mis-directions. I was stopped by a police road block in the town and, before they asked me for my driving licence, I asked them where the Copperbelt Museum was. They conferred. They did not know. In fact, I later found out that the museum was less than 100 yards away! Surely our police can be trained to help visitors??? I drove around the town several times until I got my bearings, passing the Fire Station 3 times! I then had an idea of how the town panned out. I left my car at a government offi ce and decided to walk around. I found the GPS very handy, not only on the main roads but in the towns too. Surely we can do better than this???

I will tell you a bit more about my journey next week, if I fi nd the time.

Going Through Kabwe

One of Many ‘Abnormal Loads’

A Long Wait before the Police Road Block

One of the Very Few Road Signs

Toll Roads

As I was driving for hours on end and looking at our roads, I thought constantly about the coming Toll Gates which we are told to expect. The Copperbelt too was full of posters telling us to look forward to them!

All the way along our main roads they pass through villages and towns. Before each town there are warning signs to reduce speed from 100 to 80 to 60 and fi nally to 40 kph. Then there are rumble strips, then speed humps. In the town/village the people just wander across the roads as if they were footpaths. I measured the distance between the start of the warning signs, through a village and then to the end. (Actually, the ‘end’ of the reduced speed section is not usually marked. The only way of knowing is to look on the other side of the road and see where they begin for the oncoming traffi c!) The distance from start to fi nish was 5 km.

Our roads are all two lanes - one each way. Overtaking is diffi cult and often dangerous. No wonder we have a marked increase in traffi c accidents. I know the roads are in better condition now, but do we really need to follow Zimbabwe’s example of Toll Gates on our main highways?

I had a look at South Africa’s Toll Roads. There is quite a difference! Four lanes in each direction on this one in the pic. Also South African Toll roads are optional. As you can see from the map, the blue roads are toll roads, but there is always an alternative route (black roads).

My journey to the Copperbelt was slow. With Toll Gates it will be even slower. Isn’t it better all round that we add a small amount onto fuel tax? Comments?

Livingstone Airport

According to a report in the Lusaka Times, the Livingstone Airport should be completed in September. The cost of the fi nal works is said to be US$5million.

LIVINGSTONE

Hospitals go solarZambia Weekly

The Ministry of Health has begun to procure solar panels and generators for hospitals and clinics countrywide to deal with the power outages, Ministry of Health Spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe told theTimes of Zambia. A number of clinics have been paralysed by the power cuts with staff unable to attend to patients. Private hospitals have also begun to go solar, including Saint Paul’s Mission Hospital in Nchelenge,Luapula Province, which has installed a $160,000 power mitigation project funded by Swiss Basel Medical Association.

Villagers burn down ZAWA campZambia Weekly

Villagers in Nangoma have burnt down a Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) camp after a suspected poacher, Evans Mwempwa, died from excessive bleeding, ZAWA spokesperson Sakabilo Kalembwe told the Daily Mail. The offi cers shot Mwempwa in the leg in self-defence when he and other poachers opened fi re on them at Lochinvar National Park.

The Victoria Falls Boma and Conference Centre SafPar Newsletter

The Boma and Conference Centre at the David Livingstone Hotel and Spa are now offi cially open. We launched these new facilities with a drum roll, some traditional dance, cocktails and dinner - a taste of what can be experienced here. Both the Boma and Conference Centre are available for private hire - conferences, group incentives and events. The conference room can seat up to 260 people and the Boma next door is perfect for private group dinners, functions, performances and special occasions. It has a central fi re pit and stage area, and the traditional open-air circular design and bush surrounding brings us back to our African location. For more information about these facilities or to book the Boma or Conference Centre, visit http://www.thedavidlivingstone.com/victoria-falls-conference-centre.html or contact vanessa@theexplorerclubafrica.com.

ZAMBIA

Zambezi authority seeks gate, spillway investigations at Kariba Dam hydro complexFrom Hydroworld

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) invites applications for pre-qualifi cation to inspect and investigate an emergency gate and spillway of the Kariba Dam hydropower complex on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Responses are due September 21.

Zambezi River Authority operates the 128-meter-tall double-curvature arch dam for its owners, the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The hydro complex includes the 750-MW Kariba South Bank project in Zimbabwe, which is being expanded to 1,050 MW; 720-MW Kariba North Bank in Zambia, expanded from 600 MW; and the 360-MW Kariba North Bank Extension project completed in 2014 in Zambia.

ZRA said in January that total rehabilitation of the dam for safe operation will require US$300 million. Concerns arose from an alkali-aggregate reaction in the dam wall, which could induce swelling within the concrete mass. In addition, the plunge pool below the sluice gates is eroding toward the dam’s foundation. The amount of water in Lake Kariba is reported at its lowest in 20 years, spurring a power shortage in the region.

ZRA seeks applications for pre-qualifi cation for Kariba Dam Emergency Gate and New Gantry Underwater Visual Inspections and Special Investigations. Work is to include underwater inspections of upstream concrete faces of the spillway using a remotely operated vehicle, drilling of concrete cores on the upstream and upper part of the spillway, laboratory tests of the concrete cores, opening of inspection windows in the upstream grooves of Sluice No. 2, fi lling of the drill holes and inspection windows, measuring of controlling dimensions and geometries of several concrete faces in the spillway system, bathymetric surveys of potential sites for a slipway, and reports.

Pre-qualifi cation documents in English may be obtained by e-mail request to pfaira@zaraho.org.zm. They also may be obtained from the ZRA Internet site, www.zaraho.org.zm. ZRA plans to seek bids at the end of September.

Applications for pre-qualifi cation are due September 21 in pdf form by e-mail to Zambezi River Authority at pfaira@zaraho.org.zm, kgurukumba@yahoo.co.uk, szmhlanga@yahoo.com.

Load Shedding to get WorseLusaka Times

State power utility ZESCO has announced that it has cut its generation capacity from the current 540MW to 305 MW to avert a premature shutdown of the Kariba North Bank Power Station.

ZESCO Senior Manager for Marketing and Public Relations Bessie Banda announced during a news conference that water levels at Kariba have worsened.

Ms Banda said continued generation of power from Kariba of around 540MW would have meant completely shutting down the power plant.

She said the worsening water levels have been occasioned by the usage patterns that have developed since load shedding commenced.

‘What we have observed is that most customers are over using power once supply is restored, most of them are not having power for close to 8 Hours and once supply is restored, they are over using both power which is now defeating the purpose of load shedding,’ Ms Banda said.

Gill Comment: I don’t know about you but I fi nd Bessie Banda’s comments confusing. If I have not had power for 8 hours, of course, when it comes back the fridge, geyser, etc, will all kick in, thereby using a lot of power until they get back to ‘idling’. And, apart from that, I have not heard government or ZESCO request anyone to be careful with our use of power ... when we do have some ...Also, I would like to know what mitigation measures are being put in place for the coming year or more. According to the weather forecasters we are likely to have another drought this coming rains.

Legacy Projects

THE United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretariat in Spain has challenged Zambia and Zimbabwe to quickly identify two legacy projects to be undertaken by the global tourism body in Livingstone and Victoria Falls Town.

This is in honor of the 20th session of the General Assembly which was co-hosted I Livingstone City and Victoria Falls town in August 2013.

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai said there was need for the two counties to quickly identify the two legacy project as funds were available for the same.

ZIM-ZAM

Zambian Carnivore Programme in Luangwa

Another snared lion from Chichele pride successfully rescued over the weekend. Very timely that ZCP/SLCS have just received continued support from National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative to protect big cats from snaring and the bushmeat trade in the Luangwa valley!

THE SUNI MEMORIAL FUNDGame Rangers International

Suni was not only orphaned from her mother when she was just eight months old, but also critically handicapped in an axe attack, which led her to eventual demise.In her memory GRI - Game Rangers International have established the Suni Memorial Fund to support the ongoing and essential protection of Zambia’s elephants to prevent the same fate falling upon other elephants like Suni.We need your help! Please contribute to this vital work and ensure Suni’s legacy lives on.https://www.justgiving.com/Suni-memorial-fund

Painted Dog Conservation

Painted Dog Conservation ended their week long dog vaccination program on Friday.The dogs were vaccinated against rabies and canine distemper. Castrations and spaying was also done.Thanks to the Wildlife Vets International for the drugs that were used in the thousand plus dog vaccinations in areas around the Hwange National Park. It was not a job for the faint hearted, done in the simmering heat of Hwange. The dogs reminded me of my childhood visits to the dentist, they smelt a rat with all the injections displayed in front of them. There was a lot of towing, carrying and persuasion to get them calm, until of course the drugs took over. Of course like me, little did they know it was eventually for their benefi t.Thanks to Dr. Stephen Leonard (UK), Dr Maria Rubiales Calvo Parra (Guada) (Spain), Dr. Dube (Zimbabwe), Dr Makamba (Zimbabwe) , Forgie Wilson (PDC), Domnic Nyathi (PDC) and students attached to PDC that took part in this campaign.

The Nyamandhlovu are moving towards the Somamulisa area after catching up with them late in the dark at Umtshibi place, could only see a few in the car lights, they enjoyed a dinner of kudu. Jealous, the Head Tracker, has been at Sinmatella monitoring the numerous packs up there as we await his return and potential news on pups. Leaf fall has been accelerated by the gusty winds and high daily temperatures with most animals lazing in the shade during the high afternoons. The vegetation is turning deathly drab grey, stunted bushes and tufts of little grass that have evolved since time to withstand heavy graze and browse pressure. Elephants are just about everywhere, Hwange the elephant place and painted dogs naturally.

ZIMBABWE

ZIMBABWE CONSERVATION TASK FORCE CONSERVATION OR NOT? We often hear of trophy hunters claiming to be conservationists and we fi nd this diffi cult to understand. If this is the case, then there are 2 types of “conservation”. TYPE ONE There is the breeding of wild animals for hunting. This industry is supported by the hunting fraternity and animal breeders. The animals are bred en masse for the purpose of being inhumanely shot or hunted. Once these animals are captured, they can never be released back into the wild. In the case of lions, they are captured when they are cubs and at fi rst, are sometimes used for customers to “walk with the lions”. Once they get too big for this, they are moved to another enclosure where they are offered to hunters to be shot. They are drugged and the hunter then shoots the lion. This is not really hunting because the lion doesn’t have a chance to escape. Some of them are used in canned hunting as well. Landowners have gone into biodiversity, utilizing the land which was previously used for growing crops, for breeding these wild animals. They claim to have the right to give life to these animals by breeding them but in the end, they are shot with a rifl e or a bow and arrow. To breed these animals and “play God” by giving life and then taking life away is cruel and inhumane especially in the case of the cat family, elephants and rhino. They are kept in cages and have no freedom. These so-called conservationists claim this industry is sustainable but it only benefi ts the land owners and trophy hunters, most of whom are millionaires. They claim that once the animal has passed its breeding age, it’s no good and should be shot. This is the wrong conception. Humans are over-populating the world but when they are old, do we shoot them or do we look after them? Life is like a big chain and each species is like a link in the chain. Each link has a purpose and a job to do. When you start killing the animals, the chain gets shorter and shorter and this interferes with the circle of life. TYPE TWO Our National Parks is where the real conservation should be taking place. The animals should be free to roam and tourists can come and see them and photograph them. Hunting should be banned altogether. We, as humans, rely on some of the animals for medicines etc. The elephant is a mobile manure factory, helping to germinate seeds, some of which are used to make medicines. Every species has an important part to play and this is why hunting should be banned. The local people who live around the wildlife areas should be stakeholders in the industry. They should be given a percentage of the money earned from tourism in exchange for taking care of the animals. At the moment, these people don’t get anything. We should be able to co-exist with the wildlife without the cruelty and inhumanity. Animals can take care of themselves as they always have. When there are too many of one species, the predators kill them for food. This is the way it should be. They don’t need our help to keep their numbers down. We have heard that some Americans teach their children to hunt as young as seven years old. This is a horrifying concept. When the child is annoyed at school, they could possibly shoot someone because they have been brought up that way. We appeal to children all over the world to please write to their governments to ask them to stop hunting. We have received some letters from children and these are very important to us. Money talks - guilty walks.

Friends of Hwange

WE ARE URGENTLY APPEALING FOR DONATIONS OF CASH OR DIESEL, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, TO KEEP THE WATER PUMPS IN HWANGE NATIONAL PARK RUNNING SO AS TO AVERT DISASTER IN 2015.

Friends of Hwange Trust (FOH) was established in 2005 in response to the severe drought affecting HNP at that time which resulted in many animals perishing due to lack of food and water. The National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority no longer had the resources necessary to pump suffi cient water to the pans and this situation has not changed to date. Circumstances this year are similar to the disastrous season of 2005, and each and every donation ensures an extra day of survival for countless animals within the Park boundaries.

Every animal, bird, insect or plant in a complete ecosystem exists in harmony. Each living creature plays its part in the whole picture. For decades, the heartbeat of HNP has been echoed by the beat of Lister engines that pump water to the pans in the dry season. The rains this year were patchy and erratic, and the park is very dry. Although we have recently installed 7 new solar sys-tems around the Main Camp area, these alone cannot pump suffi cient water to meet the demand. We need to run diesel engines to pump water at a further 10 pans 24/7, each of which uses 200 litres (44 gallons) of diesel every nine days. We need to continue pumping until the rains arrive in mid-November.

We were fortunate enough to see the regal magnifi cence of Cecil the Lion many times, and we deplore his recent killing in the strongest possible terms. But we would like to stress that FOH does not focus on individual animals or individual spe-cies. We support the welfare of all the species in HNP, and we guarantee that every dollar donated directly benefi ts the animals. It is due to much loyal support that we are able to count our efforts to preserve the pulsating life in this amazing wilderness a success to date. This year is a crisis year, and we need help.

To donate please visit www.friendsofhwange.com/donations or email dave@friendsofhwange.com

Have a good two weeks

Gill

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