Unheard Cries from Tonga: The Irony of Sustainable Development at Kariba Dam

Johnson Siamachira

Lake Kariba, a stunning vacation spot in Africa, tells a story of development and displacement. Almost 160,000 people were uprooted when the Kariba Dam was built in the 1950s. Today, those displaced individuals live under the power lines supplying electricity to cities like Lusaka and Harare, yet many still rely on firewood and paraffin for energy. This situation shines a light on the failures of sustainable development in the region, even after many decades.

For these communities, the challenges have been overwhelming. They were relocated from the fertile floodplain of the Zambezi River to dry, rocky areas called Binga, in northwestern Zimbabwe. Climate change has only compounded their struggles. Mugonde Mchimba, a Tonga elder, recalls how his family was forcibly moved without consultation. “We were just loaded onto trucks and left in a place where survival is hard,” he said.

This dislocation hasn’t just affected their homes; it has torn apart their cultural ties as well. The Tonga people once thrived in harmony with their environment, relying on local resources. Now, the shift has led to a disconnection from their heritage and community traditions. With an 88.3% poverty rate in Binga District in 2012—far exceeding the national average of 72%—the struggles are deeply felt. Food insecurity and access to clean water are persistent issues, exacerbated by extreme weather and climate challenges.

Reports indicate that this area receives less than 450 millimetres of rainfall annually, making agriculture exceedingly difficult. Schools and healthcare facilities are also affected by these conditions, leading to high levels of malnutrition, especially among women, children, and youth. Residents attribute water shortages to changing rainfall patterns, higher temperatures, and frequent droughts. The situation leads to livestock deaths and increased instances of diseases like sleeping sickness, which is often carried by tsetse flies.

In 2020, heavy rains caused significant flooding in Binga, destroying homes and infrastructure. Tragically, the locals faced more than just loss; they were also displaced, forced to seek shelter in trees as waters rose around them. Floods and erratic weather patterns have left communities vulnerable and struggling for survival.

The United Nations recognizes the Tonga people as indigenous. They have rights under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which affirms their need to maintain cultural identity and resources. Despite this, many remain in precarious living conditions without adequate support. Even Section 74 of the Zimbabwean Constitution states that no one can be evicted without due process, yet many displaced individuals find themselves overlooked and unprotected.

Experts emphasize that natural resources are essential for sustainable development. Washington Zhakata, director of the Climate Change Department in Zimbabwe, notes that planners often ignore this truth. Colonial-era policies alienated communities from their land, forcing them into a cycle of poverty and marginalization. Dr. Rob Visser from the Royal Netherlands Embassy argues for a clearer definition of sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.

Environmental issues intersect profoundly with local livelihoods. Dr. Yemi Katerere emphasizes that poverty and climate change are tightly linked. He believes that communities need to have a voice in decision-making to find effective solutions to their challenges. The history and plight of Binga’s communities highlight the urgent need to create development projects that genuinely consider the needs of those most affected.

Dr. Shakespeare Maya advocates for a shift in focus from controlling resources to sustainable management. The key question remains: how can we ensure development respects the rights and dignity of all communities involved? As the voices from Tonga’s hinterland echo through time, the challenge of sustainable development continues to loom large.

New Ziana.

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