African Parks Network refurbishes Wildlife officers’ houses at US$150,000

GOVERNMENT is happy with support from the African Parks (AP) Network through the Bangweulu Wetlands Management Board in the development of infrastructure in Luapula and other parts of Central Province. Chitambo District Commissioner Catherine Kunda said government appreciates the support from its partners in the development of the country. Ms. Kunda was speaking when she officiated at the handover ceremony of five refurbished staff houses and an office block at an estimated cost of US$150, 000 at Mpelembe Camp. The refurbished staff houses were handed over to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in Chitambo District. The District Commissioner said Government needs the support of cooperating partners to actualize development in the country especially in the new districts. She said the infrastructure would not only benefit the Department of National Parks but also change the profile of the new district of Chitambo. She said natural resources including wildlife are important contributors to the much needed national economy and in particular Chitambo District where the Kasanka National Park and the Kafinda Game Management Areas are found. Ms. Kunda said tourism and wildlife industry in Zambia is critical to the development of the economy saying the country cannot afford to lose it all to the negative vices such as illegal off take (poaching) of wildlife and habitat disturbance. She said there is need to motivate conservation operations staff who work to protect wildlife in the country. And AP Bangweulu Wetlands Park Manager Jonathan Chisaka said his organization will this year be celebrating 20 years in Zambia and is earmarked to take over the management of 20 national parks in Africa. Mr. Chisaka said the organization is managing other national parks in Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and has a reason to celebrate not only the handover of infrastructure but the contribution to wildlife conservation on the continent. He said the handover of the camp structure is to help improve the efficiency of operation of the DNPW policing of wildlife areas. Meanwhile, Senior Chief Chitambo of the Lala people of Chitambo District called on the staff to look after the houses and property by undertaking regular maintenance of the structures. This is according to press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe. – ZANIS The Sun