Batoka Dam
We visited the Batoka Gorge section where the planned Batoka Dam proposed to be set up. It is one of the most stunning landscapes one can set their eyes on. If only more people had the chance to visit this gorge area.
Upon seeing it and hearing the flowing Zambezi below our first reaction was, "why would anyone want to put up a dam here and cover up all this beauty?". The decision is against the best interest of nature, environmental sustainability and Zambia's tourism.
If the dam is set up the following will be the consequences to arise:
1. 4 of the 8 gorges between the Victoria Falls bridge and the proposed dam site will be covered in water.
2. A good number of the rapids in the gorge will be covered. There are 25 rapids between the Victoria Falls boiling point and the proposed dam site.
3. Covering of the habitats for a number of animal species in the gorge area. Numerous wildlife live in the area. It also houses a number of species in the caves such as bats, leopards and the Taita Falcon. The Batoka gorge is the only breeding ground of the Taita Falcon with only 6 to 8 breeding pairs showing up each year.
4.There is a rich heritage of cultural history associated with the caves in the gorge area which would be covered under water.
5. The Batoka Gorge dam is famous for having the best white water rafting in the world. This tourism drawing card would be no more.
6. Displacement of a number of local people from the area including various tourism businesses.
Electricity is needed but why don't we invest in sustainable energy alternatives, especially with an unprecedented number of hydroelectric dams being decommissioned worldwide? Our water catchment areas are being degraded at high rate causing lesser water to end up in our rivers-why have a third dam on the Zambezi with this current state of our catchment areas.
There was a proposed solar energy project in Chief Mukuni's area a number of years ago, what happened to that project? How did we move from that 100 million dollar solar project to the 3 billion dollar hydropower station?
It is in our best interest as citizens of this country to #SayNoTotheBatokaDam