Forest invaders given 14 days ultimatum

PETI SIYAME in Mpanda

DEPUTY Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr. Japhet Hasunga has given 14 days ultimatum to all 82 families from Situbwike area in Mpanda district, Katavi region which entered Katavi National Park to leave voluntarily or face forceful eviction.

The Deputy Minister issued the directive during a one day working tour in Katavi region after he visited Situbwike area, where about 82 families live inside the Katavi National Park, carrying out unfriendly human activities. “I direct relevant organs to ensure that all of them leave in two weeks, because laws must be respected.

So until November 10, this year, we don’t want to see any people living illegally inside Katavi National Park, those who are defiant will face the wrath of the law, and they will have no one to blame,” said Mr Hasunga .

A cross – section of the invaders admitted before the deputy minister that they are living inside the Katavi National Park illegally while carrying out farming activities, establishing settlements and herding cattle.

In addition to that, they told the deputy minister that they were allocated the area inside the Katavi National Park by former Sitalike village leadership. On her part, the Mpanda District Commissioner (DC), Ms Lilian Matinga told the deputy minister that the district government had already issued a 30 day notice directing invaders to leave but they defied the order.

“Some of the families living illegally inside the Katavi National Park defied the order and insisted they will never leave voluntarily ….that they are waiting to be evicted by force,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hasunga directed the Tanzania National Park’s hierarchy to continue erecting beacons on national parks boundaries, especially on disputed areas including measuring the distance of 500 metres from the border and putting up posters showing that the area is not permitted for human activities in accordance with the law.

He also directed the Nsimbo Council Executive Director, Mwaillwa Pangani to trace and take into task all land officers who surveyed and allowed citizens to settle illegally at Mgolokani area which is located inside Msaginya Forest Reserve.

“I direct DED (Pangani) that all land officers who surveyed this settlement area inside the forest reserve must be traced and questioned, probably maybe they had a reason, but if they are found guilty they must be taken to task,” directed the deputy minister.

The deputy minister however directed to allocate land for the families which will be removed from Katavi National Park and Msaginya Forest Reserve so that they can start their lives afresh.