The Matsiriga Waterfall, which is about two kilometres off Kafanchan, has the potential to be a huge revenue earner for Kaduna State. The government, TONY AKOWE writes, will boost its revenue base if the waterfall is developed into a tourist site.
Residents of Kafanchan in Kaduna State believe that they are sitting on a goldmine. To them, the Matsiriga Waterfall is central to the economic and social development of the state, if the government recognises its tourism and revenue earning potential.
As one approaches the waterfall which is about one kilometre from Kafanchan, one perceives loud sound from the fall. One also perceives sparkling bubbles of water flowing from atop hard rock and hitting hard at its base to form a pool that flows down the slope.
Interestingly, the waterfall is not known to many of the residents, even though the village close to it is called Matsiriga. They are familiar with the name River Wonderful and speak glowingly about the mysteries surrounding it.
The Matsiriga Waterfall is listed on the Kaduna Website as one of the many tourist sites in the state.
Apart from a dilapidated and abandoned structure and a collapsed fence, there is nothing to suggest that such a place has the potential to yield millions of dollars annually for the state.
The residents believe that the waterfall, which can easily be spotted from the Kafanchan-Madakiya-Zonkwa-Kaduna Road, has some mysteries about it as it exudes natural powers in the manner it gushes, tumbles and drops 30 metres into a still and deep gorge.
The fresh cool breeze around the waterfall is soothing. Although the waterfall is eye-catching, it lacks the finesse to attract attention as a probable place for relaxation.
An abandoned structure which supposedly served as a resort’s security post and a faded signpost suggest that previous attempts had been made to develop the area. On the other side of the fall, Madakiya Heritage Resort is being developed by a private investor to serve as a relaxation centre.
Though no tourists or visitors were seen at the resort, some women were noticed scooping sand apparently for sale. Some youths were also seen fishing on the river.
In addition to the resort, plans by another private investor to build a five-star hotel close to it have reached advanced stage.
The residents said the waterfall sometimes produces rainbow colours and smoke. Luka Binniyat, a journalist, told our correspondent that there was nothing mysterious about the rainbow colours formed by the waterfall.
He said: “There are rainbow colours produced by the waterfall. But it is merely a reflection from the sun. When the sun passes above the water, it produces rainbow colours. But the local people believe there is some mystery surrounding the waterfall.”
Binniyat also said most visitors to Kafanchan insist on visiting the waterfall, but they always left disappointed because the place has not been developed into a proper tourist centre.
He said: “If properly developed, it will generate huge revenue for government and create employment opportunities.”
A community leader in Matsiriga, Yohana Yakubu said many of them are amazed at the wonders of the waterfall, pointing out that sometimes, if one decides to walk along the serene environment of the stream, one will be surprised to see white smoke coming out of the pool, adding that sometimes on Sundays, a rainbow would appear on the water and stretch up to the blue sky.
He said: “As the name indicates, the waterfall is truly wonderful. For years, mysterious things have happened around the waterfall which is beyond human understanding.
“For over 30 years I have lived here, no one has explained why these things happen. Sometimes the fall puffs up smoke, precisely at the entrance of the cave. The most intriguing mystery is that, on several occasions, mostly on Sundays, a rainbow would appear on the water and rise up to the sky. That is not all. There is something weird about the waterfall.
“From what I heard and witnessed, at least 10 people have died inside the river but none of them is a native.”
Yohana further said at the bottom of the rock, there is a 500-meter long cave while at the peak of the rainy season, the stream overflows and covers the cave. “The weather here is also different from what obtains in other towns and villages. Though the weather around Kafanchan, Kwoi and Kagoro is generally clement, it is usually cooler around the ‘river wonderful.’”
Another resident, Blessing Duniya said she is inspired by the serene nature of the environment, adding that sometimes, she takes time out, especially during break period to visit the waterfall and appreciate its beauty. “I just can’t stop marvelling at the great wonders of God,” she said.
Duniya regretted that despite its potential as huge revenue earner, government refuses to tap the abundant resources it boasts. She, however, expressed optimism that the place will be put to proper use in future.
She said: “The location of the waterfall is good, just by the roadside. But there is no access road to it and no form of beautification to make the place attractive to visitors who may want to enjoy its natural coolness and beauty.
“I would love to see people come here, feel its natural beauty and make it bubbly. Our lively towns have been ruined by ethno-religious crisis but I’m honestly hoping that, with natural endowments such as this, our towns will bounce back to life.”
Apart from Matsiriga Waterfall, there is Awatsung Waterfall located at Madakiya, a neighbouring town to Matsiriga. A resident, Dogara Yunana noted that people swim and fish on the Awatsung Waterfall during the dry season, even as students go for picnics at the Matsiriga Waterfall.
“In the rainy season, everybody engages in farming but once it’s October, fishing begins,” Yunana said.
Many residents are not happy that the tourism potential of the waterfalls has largely remained untapped. They said they could generate huge revenue for Kaduna State in particular and Nigeria in general.
Experts in tourism believe that utilising the potential in these tourists’ sites could solve the unemployment problem in the state, since tourism requires the services of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.
The closeness of the Matsiriga Waterfall to Kagoro, venue of the popular annual Afam Festival, the Nok Cultural Centre and its easy accessibility by rail and road, makes it plausible tourist delight if developed.
According to experts, with its unique history and numerous annual cultural festivals, Southern Kaduna could be the ideal destination for lovers of eco-tourism, wildlife, cultural and heritage sites, religious rites, amusement, entertainment and leisure, adventure, outdoor and indoor sports tourism and meetings, among others.
A resident, Habila Kayit said: “When you talk about notable tourist attractions in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa at large, Southern Kaduna deserves more than a mention. This is because I’ve gone round some of the sites.
“In order to exploit the benefits of tourism in Southern Kaduna, there is need for adequate inventory of the available tourism potential/resources based on priorities. It is sad that the state and the local governments where such resources are deposited are either ignorant of the benefits that could be derived from developing those sites or are not willing to invest in them.
“Malaysia, Kenya, Dubai, South Africa, Israel and Saudi Arabia, among others, depend so much on tourism as their major source of revenue and have created a niche market for their tourism products.”
