A Zambian sculptor is staging a one-day hunger strike after his sculpture, aimed at raising awareness against poaching and environmental degradation, was razed to the ground to pave way for roadworks.

Alexis Phiri is the coordinator at Kachere art studio and was part of the team that erected a huge rhino sculpture nine years ago in Longacres, a leafy area located in the capital, Lusaka.

The sculpture was made of plastics to raise awareness against the use of non-biodegradable material.

But following construction works aimed at expanding roads in Lusaka, the sculpture – which was once a spectacle – has been uprooted and defaced.

“It makes us really sad and disheartened to see that in a spur of a moment, the rhino was damaged and now completely razed like no effort was made to create it,” he told the BBC.

“My appeal is please have the heart to reflect at what damage you have done to this priceless piece of art which was a constant reminder of the plight of our environment and endangered species.”

Mr Phiri says he will on Thursday fast from daybreak to sunset in protest and “also to register my displeasure so that the children can see the importance of our environment and endangered species”.