TTI: Radio Communications Project: Tundazi and Matusadona

A brand new radio repeater link was installed in a metal housing and protected with the electric fence on the summit of Tundazi Mountain in Chizarira. This was an extraordinary mission. The Area Manager and his Ranger team were highly impressive in their determination and fortitude.

The goods had to be transported from Chiz HQ to a certain point on the road to Tundazi Base, by lorry, deposited at this point, enabling the lorry to return to Chiz HQ. From this point, the goods had to be driven 1.5hrs on an even rougher, steeper track by Cruiser and my landrover. We undertook two ferry trips each to get everyone and all the goods to base camp. From base camp, the goods were ferried by foot, by the Rangers, the Fencing Team and the Radio Communications Team and they climbed the extremely steep 700m to the top of Tundazi. This “ferrying” started in the afternoon of the first day we reached base camp, and started again at 0500hrs the following day.

On the next day, some of the Rangers undertook this climb 4 times, also having to carry up water – and water had to be brought from Chiz HQ to the Base camp in the back of a pickup on a punishing track. It was an incredible effort by all concerned. The views are absolutely fantastic.

I extend my great appreciation to Area Manager Samson Chibaya for his outstanding support towards The Tashinga Initiative’s project. The Barrett Fencing Team put in the most incredible effort, without a break in searing heat – the project would not have been completed without this huge effort from them! Chris Packenham of Security Communications provided first-class implementation for Parks.

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