15 Members of Parliament whose constituencies are hosts to National Parks have petitioned the Ministry of Tourism to urgently address the growing problem of human-animal conflicts in the country.
The 15 Members of Parliament are from Bweengwa, Feira, Nalolo, Bangweulu, Chama North, Sioma, Mulobezi, Kalabo Central, Katombora, Isoka, Lavushimanda, Lumezi, and Kawambwa constituencies among others.
The Members of Parliament are concerned that the invasion of wildlife in their respective constituencies is not only threatening the lives of the people but food security as well.
Speaking on behalf of the affected parliamentarians at a media briefing this afternoon, Feira PF Member of Parliament Emmanuel Tembo wondered why wildlife police officers delay in responding to complaints being lodged by communities.
But Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba said Zambia currently has a deficit of about 4,800 officers to effectively manage national parks adding that it is difficult for the government to authorize animal cropping without following the required procedure due to various treaties and conventions that the country is part to.
