By Paul Nyathi
Prominent writer and critic Hopewell Chinono has laughed off MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa’s promise to turn Matopos National Park into a city when he comes into power.
In a Facebook posting on Sunday, Chinono who refers to Chamisa as “Wamba Dia Wamba” said the thoughts to turn the world heritage site into a city is the most absurd thought in the week.
“So the MDC Alliance leader Nelson “Wamba Dia Wamba” Chamisa spoke about Matopos being turned into a town if he becomes President,” wrote Chinono.
“That to me is a Wambology because Matopos greatest gift is it’s natural and virgin state. Turning it into a town will destroy what makes it unique and attractive as a tourist destination.”
“Foreign and local tourists come to Matopos for its flora and fauna. It has archaeological, historical and cultural sites that should never be tempered with if it is to retain its relevance in the world of tourism,” said Chinono.
Addressing a huge crowd of MDC Alliance coalition supporters at a rally held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday, Chamisa promised the people of Matabeleland that was soon as he comes into government he will ensure the development of the tourist attraction into a major city.
Addressing a similar rally in Dete Matabeleland North a couple of weeks ago, Chamisa also promised to turn Victoria Falls into a Las Vegas from its current semi natural state.
“When I say these things people think I am out of my mind,” said Chamisa in Bulawayo.
“It is possible and we will do that. They can’t see these things happening because they have run out of ideas for this country,” he insisted.
Chinono opted to differ with Chamisa imploring that the tourist sites are serving their purpose best under the conditions they are currently being kept in.
“It is also a popular camping destination because of its current status,” said Chinono.
“You can’t turn Harare, London or New York into camping destinations.
So by making it a town, you would have killed that natural beauty that attracts tourists to it.”
“Victoria Falls is what it is today because the visitors want to be in a natural habitat and not locked in modernity.
That is why restaurants in Victoria Falls make money when they have that ancient feel to them as opposed to the modern metropolitan feel.
“That is why I find the Wambology about turning Victoria Falls into a Las Vegas detached from why Victoria Falls is a popular tourist attraction,” said Chinono.
“What Matopos needs is funding to enhance the parks and its virgin status not turning it into a town,” concluded Chinono.