The United Nations has warned that the Victoria Falls could lose its world heritage site status unless the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe immediately halt plans to develop commercial projects near the tourist attraction.
According to reports monitored here on Thursday, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has expressed concern at plans by the two countries to build lodges, a golf course and a hydroelectric dam close to the falls.
Victoria Falls is the premier tourist attraction for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, located on the border between the southern African neighbours along the Zambezi River.
It is the world’s largest sheet of falling water, spanning about 1,7 kilometres wide and falling 108 metres down the gorge.
It earned its world heritage site status in 1989.
There are plans to build a 300-bed hotel complex and golf course on the Zambian side and the jointly owned Batoka Hydropower Station to be local on the Zambezi River.
Quoting a UNESCO document, the reports said the UN agency said the Batoka power project “should not proceed as currently proposed” as it has potential of putting the Victoria Falls’ heritage status “in danger in the near future.”
JN/APA