Increase Gumbo
Chiefs in Chiredzi have called for government intervention to save their livestock from marauding lions that are suspected to have escaped from Gonarezhou National Park and killed several domestic animals.
People in communities bordering the park say they have lost a total of 76 cattle, 33 goats, 5 sheep and 3 donkeys.
Speaking at a meeting in the environs of the national park last Thursday, Chief Tshovani said he was worried by the continuous movement of wild animals that are making his people poorer by preying on their livestock.
Chiredzi District Administrator and Chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit, Clara Mzenda also said that she receives reports of farmers adjacent to Gonarezhou losing their livestock every day.
“We are saddened by this and we appeal to government and the national parks authority to attend to this matter urgently. Farmers are losing their domestic animals to wild animals such as lions every day.,” said Mzenda.
Mzenda added that every farming season, farmers in the area harvest less because of vermin with 80% of villagers affected.
The Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Oppah Muchinguri expressed regret over the losses and promised to act.
“I didn’t know the situation is that serious because we have not received any report about that. I advise you to make a clear report to my office so that I attend to the issue in time,” said Muchinguri.
Chief Fortune Charumbira said he was shocked to hear about the losses and urged chiefs to report such critical issues to responsible offices in time.news
—
Tel : +263 39 262 401
Website : www.tellzim.com
He who said it can not be done must not disturb the one doing it!
