In a significant investment aimed at boosting wildlife conservation and tourism, government has handed over infrastructure and earth-moving equipment valued at fifty-two million Kwacha to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife at Lavushimanda National Park in Muchinga Province.
The handover presided over by Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary, Reverend Mathews Chilekwa, marks a major milestone under the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) Project under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
Reverend Chilekwa detailed that the substantial investment has facilitated the construction of 19 new staff houses, rehabilitation of 7 existing housing units, and the development of an information centre, a public ablution block, a park gate, and an animal boma. Furthermore, over 185 kilometres of roads have been opened and maintained within the park.
To ensure the sustainability of this infrastructure, the project also procured critical earth-moving equipment, including a grader, a compactor, and a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB).
“This support extends beyond the housings unit and equipment,” the PS stated. “We have also provided communication and patrol equipment, two motorbikes, and four vehicles to significantly ease park management and enhance security.”
The comprehensive support package under TRALARD has empowered the park through aerial surveys, ecological and animal ground counts, the development of management and business plans, and the recruitment and training of 20 community scouts, including provisions for their salaries. Boundary demarcation activities have also been completed.
Reverend Chilekwa highlighted the tangible outcomes already being observed, noting, “Due to the support from TRALARD, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife has been reporting an improvement in sightings of animals and recoveries from illegal activities, which results in better management.”
He commended the contractor, SHACHITRI, for completing the project ahead of schedule, which began in April this year, and for adhering to high-quality standards as guided by President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive on prudent project management.
With the enhanced infrastructure and management capacity, the Permanent Secretary expressed anticipation for a rise in tourist visitations to the park and the province, attributing this to a now well-managed natural resource base. He cautioned the park management to diligently maintain the newly commissioned assets.
