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Patrick Chitumba in Hwange
THE government is reviewing the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (Campfire) policy framework to ensure communities benefit from the exploitation of wildlife and other natural resources in their areas, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.Environment, Water and Climate Minister Cde Saviour Kasukuwere told a gathering at the inaugural World Wildlife Day commemorations at the Hwange Main Camp that it was high time rural district councils declared their earnings from safari hunting to their communities to enhance accountability and transparency.
“What these councils are doing is unacceptable. The CEO’s are earning hefty packages from Campfire money yet the communities that are supposed to benefit are wallowing in poverty. We are therefore going to review the Campfire programme because communities must benefit,” Cde Kasukuwere said.
“Councils are surviving on Campfire. Government is currently looking at ways of re-modelling and rebranding the Campfire programme so that optimum benefits are realised by ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe.”
He said money raised through the programme should be channeled towards construction of schools, bridges and hospitals among other community infrastructure and projects.
Government launched the Campfire programme in the 1990s in a bid to enable communities near national parks to benefit from proceeds earned from safari hunting.
There are 58 rural district councils undertaking the programme in the country with only a quarter running meaningful programmes.
Over the years chiefs here, chiefs Shana, Mvuthu, Nelukoba and Hwange have condemned the programme saying their communities were not benefitting from it.
Cde Kasukuwere said his ministry would take affirmative action in the running of national parks to see to it that local people run and operate lodges and camping facilities.
He said the area had been a no-go area for blacks saying that discrimination would not be allowed.
“We want to see our young people running lodges and camps in the park areas. We want to take affirmative action in this area. So let’s work together because indigenous people should also benefit from their wild animals,” Cde Kasukuwere said.
He said the thrust of yesterday’s commemorations was to highlight the significance and potential of wildlife in contributing to the livelihoods of communities.
“Wildlife has in the past contributed to our country’s economic growth through tourism,” he said.
Cde Kasukuwere said government was supportive of all initiatives meant to promote wildlife-based tourism and marketing of the country as a safe resort destination.
Online Reporter