Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Saboi Imboela has described government’s reluctance in giving of timber concession licenses without the consultation of the local leadership as the main reason for human-animal conflict happening in Sioma district of western province.
Ms. Imboela has urged government consult the local leadership in rural places before they make life threatening decisions that impact on the lives of people and animals.
“The timber license holders are now carelessly cutting down trees putting the people in Sioma at risk,” said Ms. Imboela in a statement to RCV News today.
Ms. Imboela said dwelling places of the elephants have been grossly interfered with and, therefore, their moving to where people live and even eating vegetables in people’s gardens.
She says she expects the government to be more mindful of the ecosystem and environmental concerns of such places, especially with the set up of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
Ms. Imboela has urged government to urgently move into Sioma and correct the situation before the losing lives and damage the ecosystem to a level that will not be controlled later.
By Margaret Mwanza
