Govt to raise funds for elephants

Speaking on the sidelines of the Trans African Caravan of Hope climate change campaign launch in Bulawayo yesterday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Management, Mr Edward Samuriwo, said the issue of climate change was mainly to blame for the shortage of water at the game park.
“The ministry is aware of the challenges that are being faced at the Hwange National   Park. We are conscious in terms of environment conservation and we are in the process of         trying to raise funds for more water   points for the animals,” said Mr  Samuriwo.

He said this was going to be done in conjunction with other stakeholders.
Mr Samuriwo said the shortage of water forced animals such as elephants to move to neighbouring countries in search of the precious liquid.

He however said the Ministry was   yet to confirm whether or not the reported deaths of elephants were as a result of              thirst.
When Chronicle visited the park recently, it saw more than 10 elephants desperately searching for water just outside the Main  Camp.

Carcasses of two elephants and a zebra were also seen on the way to Nyamandlovu   water hole, which was shallow and had muddy water.
Although the rains have started falling, the park still needs reliable water sources as the area is located in a region that receives marginal rainfall.

“The National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority is on the ground to find out if the animals were killed by thirst or other causes.
“We have also formed clusters in various parts of the country where issues of climate change are discussed as we try to come up with solutions and ways of adapting to climate change that is impacting negatively on  people, livestock as well as game,” said Mr Samuriwo.

The Hwange National Park is one of the most valuable resources as the tourism industry relies heavily on wildlife as its major attraction and revenue earner.
During the Zimbabwe’s tourism peak, Hwange and its surrounding areas boast of up to 30 camps, which employ between 10 and 30 people each.