Greengrove Nature Reserve appeals for funds to fence park, build dam wall

The Greengrove Nature Reserve is appealing for money to revamp the park, fence it, scoop the dam and build a dam wall.

Diana Nherera Suburban Reporter

In an interview, Mrs Susanne Chirikure who leads the Greengrove Nature Reserve said firstly, they plan to fence the park.

“That way it becomes clear to the people where the area is and ends.

“And that costs around $7 000 (and we appeal for funds) in cash or kind,” she said.

Mrs Chirikure said the Greengrove Nature Reserve committee is also trying to approach some companies for donations to fence the park.

“We need to put signage because it’s crucial for us that the people who are ploughing there should no longer do that.

“We have to put it on signs that tilling is not allowed and also we are hoping that if there is a fence, people who are dumping rubbish around Latimer Road will eventually stop.

“We also need some big signage to indicate that this is the Greengrove Nature Reserve supported by the City of Harare and EMA,” she said.

Mrs Chirikure said they are hoping that this dry season they can complete building the dam wall so that they can harvest water when the rainfall season starts.

“And that is a way of water harvesting, a way of feeding our underground water because if we keep it there and it doesn’t flow away, it will help the underground water levels in Greendale.

“And for recreational purposes, if there is water in the dam, wildlife will also come back like the birds, I think it will be much more like it was before.”

Mrs Chirikure said they were still to work out the costs of scooping and building the dam but indicated that they might in the region of about $25 000.

“Maybe if we have to pay for everything, it’s going for around $22 000.

“Then scooping the dam is around $3 000.

“There is quite a bit of money that has to be collected but if we look at the whole of Greendale and 22 000 people, if everybody gives a dollar then we are already quite far.

“If everybody gives $20 and maybe we get from 500 people, then we are already at $10 000 then we can do something, we can start at least,” she said.

Mrs Chirikure said the Greengrove Nature Reserve has an online pledge form where well- wishers can fill in and pledge the money they want to donate.

“We are putting it on different Greendale (residents) WhatsApp groups.”

Individuals, corporates and institutions such as schools interested in donating towards the cause can contact the Greengrove Nature Reserve treasurer Mr Tirivangani Netombo on 0772605317.