Featured Conservation Group: Hillside Dams Conservancy

The Hillside Dams, once the principle source of Bulawayo's water supply, are in easy reach of the centre of town. The 86 hectares that is the designated park, wild bird sanctuary and National  Monument that includes two dams and a large area of broken kopjes and sandy open plains. Its natural vegetation is still largely intact and includes a wide range of indigenous species while the bird life is diverse. A few small animals are also present.

The area has a long and interesting archaeological history including rock paintings and farming villages including one particularly large site contemporary with the Mapungubwe State of the Shashe-Limpopo confluence (AD 1000 – 1200). It was also the location of King Lobengula Khumalo's favorite royal village.

Unfortunately the area has been allowed to deteriorate reflecting the severe lack of capital resources of the Bulawayo City Council while a series of muggings and a murder has meant that most people now shun this once popular location. We would like to alter this.

As a community-oriented project the area has been leased by a group of local residents with the aim of restoring it. We aim to make it once again one of the prime recreational venues in Bulawayo, enjoyed by all of its residents. In addition several educational projects are envisaged. These will focus on both natural and cultural heritage, with a commoner Ndebele village and a schools' nature trail key components of the plans.

We are currently initiating renovation existing facilities and drawing up plans for the new projects. Security and the need to fence the area, as well as beefing up the number and equipment of our security guards are urgent priorities. However it is no an easy thing in the current circumstances in Zimbabwe. Those interested in seeing what we are planning and to keep updated on the project can visit our website www.hillsidedams.com or contact us on email estate@hillsidedams.com