MPs furious over losses, pay after elephant raids

MP for Mkinga, Mr Dunstan Kitandula, said farms located in 13 wards out of 22 in his constituency have been invaded by elephants.

He said of late elephants have been destroying sisal instead of maize and cashew-nut trees they preferred in the past.

“The feedback we get from citizens is that the government values elephants more than its people,.This is not good news to the government and CCM,” he said.

“Today, (yesterday), elephants have invaded Mavovo Village and destroyed maize farms. Unfortunately, a team of ward wardens had been dispatched to Muheza District to contain marauding lions,” he added, asking for immediate government intervention.

Bunda MP, Mr Boniphace Getere said marauding herds of elephants have made their way to the roads since last night.

Another MP, Mr Daimu Mpakate, (Tunduru South-CCM) told the parliament that elephants have killed four people and destroyed farms belonging to over 2,000 citizens in May, 2023 alone.

“This has triggered insults to the President, the Prime Minister, a lawmaker, the District Commissioner and councillors,” he said.

“The situation is worse in Tunduru North Constituency villages bordering the Selous Game Reserve (SGR) as well as 15 wards in my constituency comprising over 45 villages,” added Mr Mpakate.

According to him, some villagers boycotted the national census in protest of elephant attacks.

He said the existing elephant corridor connecting Tanzania and Mozambique has compounded the problem in the area.

He said 14 victims of wildlife attack haven’t received Sh1 million in compensation each, noting that the amount provided in the regulations were extremely low.

Mr Mpakate’s complaints were echoed by Mr Emmanuel Shangai, (Ngorongoro-CCM) who said Sh25,000 paid in compensation was a joke.

“My opinion is that compensation should be paid after assessment has been done on the actual losses farmers incurred,” he said.

Wildlife regulations directs that survivors of wildlife attack should receive Sh200,000 in compensation, Sh500,000 for victims who have lost body parts and Sh1 million for the dead.

The MP also raised concern that people farming within 500 metres from game reserves or national parks were not considered in compensation once their crops are destroyed by wild animals.

“What farmers are going to do with Sh25,000 which is insufficient for procurement of a fertilisers or seeds bags?”

 “To which people did we formulate these regulations? Where do these regulations come from, were the regulations formulated for the interest of Tanzanians? Things have to be improved here,” she suggested.