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Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
HUMAN-WILDLIFE conflict reared its ugly head once again at Tongogara Refugee Camp (TRC) where elephants destroyed crops and security fence at a local irrigation scheme.
TRC administrator Mr Johani Mhlanga confirmed that there are more than six elephants that usually invade the camp from around 9 p.m.
“Elephants have become a serious threat to the self reliance projects here at TRC. The animals destroyed the new irrigation scheme where we have sugar bean crop. We were expecting a bumper harvest from the crop but those hopes have been dashed by the marauding elephants from the Save Conservancy.
“The irrigation scheme is part of our quest to empower refugees to contribute towards their household economy and, of course, also to fulfill the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 1 whose thrust, among other things, is to improve food security. We are also worried that Government’s commitments toward fulfillment of the Global Compact on Refugees is being threatened,” he said.
Mr Mhlanga appealed to relevant authorities to intervene.
“We call upon the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and Chipinge Rural District Council to consider the plight of farmers at Tongogara Refugee Camp,” said Mr Mhlanga.
He also appealed to have TRC included in the Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE).
“We are appealing to be included in the CAMPFIRE project at least for our community to benefit from the proceeds. As it stands right now, we are at the receiving end yet we are not benefiting from the CAMPFIRE proceeds,” said Mr Mhlanga.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Izere Alain of TRC recently committed suicide for unknown reasons.
Alain, who resided at House Number 349, Section 4, TRC, was found hanging from a tree branch with a rope tied around his neck.
Mr Mhanga said the teenager left home at around 9 a.m heading to UNHCR offices to register for his “A” level ZIMSEC exams as he was enrolled at Chibuwe High School.
No foul play is being suspected.
“We are devastated by the suicide and the lost of such a promising young man. We extend our condolences to his family and the community for the sad loss,” said Mr Mhlanga.
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