KILWA: THE Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Hassan Chande has said the government will continue implementing various measures to strengthen the protection of communities from elephants and prevent the animals from posing a threat to lives and destroying crops in farms.
Chande made the statement in Kilwa District, Lindi Region, during a public meeting held to hear residents’ concerns over elephants straying outside the Selous National Park and neighbouring protected areas.
Outlining the measures, Chande said the government plans to increase the number of beehive units during the 2026/2027 financial year, deploy more wildlife rangers to villages affected by elephant incursions, use bombs and other explosives, and strengthen regular patrols along wildlife corridors used by the animals.
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Chande also directed the Southern Zone Conservation Commander to establish a temporary camp in Kandawale Ward and immediately begin wildlife ranger patrols to strengthen protection and ensure a rapid response whenever residents are affected by elephant incursions.
He said the government would continue compensating affected residents through the Problem Animals Information System (PAIS).
Chande said approximately 37m/- had so far been paid to victims, while an additional 5.8m/- is expected to be paid to affected residents in October 2026.
Source: Daily News (Tanzania)
