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Zimbabwe: Tourism in Manicaland Impacted by Vandalism and Power Outages

Vandalism, power outages hit Manicaland tourism

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with wenceslaus
Published on 2024-01-28 22:02:57

The tourism industry in the picturesque region of Vumba, located in the Eastern Highlands, has been gravely impacted by an extended power outage that began on December 1 of last year. This unfortunate situation occurred when approximately 5km of power lines were stolen, causing a major disruption to the supply of electricity to the area. To compound the issue, the subsequent repairs were further delayed when a transformer was vandalised and 12 utility poles toppled over.

The power outage has had significant ramifications for the tourism operators in Vumba, who heavily rely on a consistent and reliable power supply to cater to the needs of their visitors. Without the necessary electrical infrastructure in place, operators have been unable to provide the expected level of service to tourists, resulting in a significant loss of income and a tarnished reputation for the area as a tourist destination.

The absence of power has also hindered the day-to-day operations of various tourism-related businesses in Vumba, including hotels, lodges, restaurants, and other recreational facilities. This has created a challenging environment for these establishments to operate efficiently and has led to a decline in the overall visitor experience.

Additionally, the power outage has affected the livelihoods of local residents who are involved in the tourism industry, as they are facing financial hardship due to the decreased number of tourists visiting the area. Many individuals who rely on the income generated from tourism-related activities are now struggling to make ends meet, further exacerbating the economic impact of the power outage.

Furthermore, the lack of power has also posed safety concerns for both tourists and residents, particularly during the evening hours when visibility is limited. This has created an atmosphere of unease and insecurity, deterring potential visitors from exploring the natural beauty and attractions that Vumba has to offer.

The tourism operators in Vumba are calling for urgent intervention to resolve the power outage and restore normalcy to the area. They are appealing to the relevant authorities to expedite the repairs of the stolen power lines and the damaged infrastructure, in order to revitalize the tourism industry and bring back prosperity to the region. It is crucial for the authorities to prioritize the restoration of power in Vumba to safeguard the livelihoods of local residents and preserve the area’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.

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