Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Calm has returned to Mfuwe, South Luangwa following protests sparked by misinformation that the Government intends to capture and translocate 2,000 buffaloes from the area.
Speaking on behalf of the Mambwe Chiefs led by Senior Chief Nsefu in the Upper Lupande Game Management Area during a meeting with tourism minister Ronald Chitotela, Chief Jumbe said the miscommunication on the issue of the capture of the animals led to apprehension.
He says the chiefs now appreciate that the Ministry of Tourism and Arts issued a capture permit for only 35 buffaloes from the South Luangwa National Park to Mbizi Game Ranch in line with the Government’s programme to restock under stocked arrears in line with the Seventh National Development Plan.
The traditional leader says the chiefs appreciate that the animals are to be translocated to an open game ranch, meaning that they are still state owned.
Chief Jumbe says the protests were by people who demanded to see the capture permit.
He says the chiefs will engage all stakeholders on the matter.
And Tourism and Arts Minister Ronald Chitotela has expressed happiness that the meeting with the chiefs was cordial.
He says the miscommunication could have been between the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the royal establishment and the community in Mambwe.
The Minister expressed happiness that the chiefs have understood the Government programme including the fact that the animals are not being captured to be translocated to a foreign country.
He says his Ministry would also support the Mambwe chiefs in their quest to start up a game ranch.
And area Member of Parliament Makebi Zulu who is also Eastern Province Minister says he is happy that the chiefs have expressed interest in the conservation initiatives by wanting to start up a game ranch.