The Sunday Mail
Theseus Shambare
Tsetse fly control measures in northern parts of Zimbabwe are yielding positive results.
The insects, also known as tik-tik flies, once invaded and caused havoc in the Zambezi Valley, claiming livestock and human life in some cases from the 1980s to early 2000.
Tsetse flies carry trypanosomiasis, a parasite that causes a disease called nagana in livestock and sleeping sickness in humans.
The disease, which affects the nervous system, is a long-standing plague in Africa.
It causes fever and loss of appetite, and, in some instances, it leads to death if untreated.
However, through various Government initiatives, the dangerous insect has been contained and is on the verge of extinction.
During a recent visit to Siyakobvu under Chief Nebiri of Kariba, The Sunday Mail crew’s attention was immediately drawn to a worn-out bus stop sign bearing the words “Tarumwa netsetse”.
Headman Gweshe (born Takemore Siapongo), who is responsible for the sign post that was erected in 1985, said the unfortunate loss of friends, family members and livestock over the years had been greatly distressing.
“I was born in the years of the struggle,” said Mr Siapongo, who vividly remembers living through these unprecedented times.
“Rearing cattle was a non-starter in this place. Cattle would die after being bitten by tsetse due to nagana. People would contract sleeping sickness.
“I remember losing a son, who I was expecting to be the people’s leader after my time. Until today, I feel that tsetse robbed me of my future.”
Life, he said, was not easy back then.
“I decided to write the message on the bus stop sign to attract attention from visitors. We needed all the help we could get to win the fight against tsetse flies.”
The bus stop is strategically positioned as it is on the road that leads to the wildlife-rich Matusadona National Park.
“We have a lot of people who pass through the area, Government officials included. The signpost was going to help us convey our message, even if we did not get to talk to them,” he added.
The Government swiftly responded by setting up tsetse fly control teams in the area.
According to the Department of Tsetse Control Services, which falls under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the Zambezi Valley will be totally free of the menacing insects by 2025. The Rekomechi Tsetse Research Station, which is at the heart of Mana Pools National Park, Lower Zambezi Valley, said it has enough resources to continue research. They have since introduced insecticide-treated and odour-baited traps.
Different spraying methods were also employed, while stop-gap measures like destocking were introduced years back to curb the tsetse fly outbreak.
“Two species common in Zimbabwe are known as Glossina pallidipes and Glossina morsitans,” said the national director of the Department of Tsetse Control Services, Dr William Shereni.
“Direct aggregate losses due to animal trypanosomiasis may exceed US$1,3 billion annually.”
Department of Veterinary Services chief director Dr Josphat Nyika said he was impressed with efforts to keep cleared areas free from re-invasion.
“We have put in place measures in the form of fly traps to make sure there are no more re-invasion by tsetse, and our glossinologists are on high alert,” he said.
Relief
Fedelia Shatika (68) of Mangava Village now has peace of mind. She once lost 40 cattle to tsetse flies in two months.
“It was a devastating phase. I got depressed to the extent that I did not want to talk about it. I lost my source of food, income and draught power in the field. My cattle were my life but because of the tsetse flies, I was left with nothing,” recalls Shatika.
She is now making efforts to rebuild the herd and now boasts of 30 cattle.
Headman Gweshe has also rebuilt his herd.For Chief Nebiri, born Wilson Nebiri, tsetse flies are a curse.
“Tsetse flies are ambassadors of Satan. They rob and destroy human lives directly and indirectly. We lost our wealth here. You cannot lead people who are crying daily. For a moment, we thought our ancestors had abandoned us,” said Chief Nebiri.
Decimation of livestock herds in the area, he added, led to a surge in poaching as wild animals became the only available source of meat.
Chief Chundu (Abel Mbasera) of Hurungwe District thanked the New Dispensation for walking the talk through transforming lives.
“In the past, my people were allowed to keep only two oxen to starve tsetse flies and drive them out, but through innovations driven by Government, tsetse flies were dealt with and we now rear big herds of cattle depending on individual capacity,” he said.
“Cultivation of crops is now easy as our people are now using animal-drawn ploughs.”
The Government plans to eliminate tsetse fly in settled areas by 2024 in line with the National Development Strategy 1.
