Natural
Resources and Tourism minister, Lazaro Nyalandu has told the National
Assembly that the Tanzania Wildlife Authority (TAWA) will be fully
operational sometime this February and will have mandate to change
policies and use of the country’s game reserves.
He explained that TAWA will have widespread responsibilities and
mandate that covers the reshaping of wildlife management and
conservation in Tanzania.
He said TAWA will also handle ownership change for tourism hunting
blocks citing that ‘TAWA has the mandate to change policies and use of
the country’s game reserves.’
In a related development during the same parliamentary session, the
government also announced plans to review rental contracts for all
hunting blocks in the country, retaining some and seeking alternative
uses for the rest.
The plans were aired by Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and
Tourism, Mahmoud Hassan Mgimwa as he responded to a suggestion by Mbogwe
MP, Manyanda Maselle (CCM) for the government to stop hunting
activities at the Kigosi-Mnyovosi Game Reserve in Shinyanga and to
instead use it for other tourism activities.
Speaking during the question and answer morning session in
Parliament, Deputy Minister Mgimwa said other than changing activities
at Kigosi-Mnyovosi Game Reserve, the Mbogwe District Council should
also get 25 per cent of revenue generated from the current hunting
activities at the game reserve.
Deputy Minister Mgimwa explained that there are a total of eight
game reserves used for hunting tourism activities in the country.
He said ownership of the country’s hunting blocks is expected to
end by 2018 and at which point then the government will carry out
extensive assessments of all hunting blocks.
“Some will remain for hunting but others will be used for other
activities connected with tourism,” he told the House in agreement with
the MP’s suggestion.
“The government, in collaboration with other players, will continue
with its efforts to improve tourism infrastructure,” he went on to say
and cited target areas to include accommodation for tourists, water
supply and roads.
Mgimwa also took the time to point out that for the 2014/2015
fiscal year, the ministry repaired the 50-kilometer road leading to the
game reserve.
“In the next fiscal year, we plan to rehabilitate 100 kilometers of
roads and make all that lead to the reserves the reserves passable
throughout the year,” he added.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
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