admin
Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
Elephants are reportedly roaming around in the Dombodema area, Bulilima District thereby disrupting the pupils’ learning. District Education Officer for Bulilima, Mr Danisa Nkomo said he has received a report from one of the school heads.“The headmaster of Mnigau Primary reported on Friday that the elephants that were roaming around the area were disrupting classes. The headmaster said some pupils had stopped attending school as they feared the elephants,” said Mr Nkomo.
He said the development was a cause for concern as Grade Seven pupils were about to write their final examinations.
Councillor for Dombodema area, Clr Benjamin Nleya also confirmed that there were elephants roaming about in the area.
“We have reported these elephants to the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority but nothing has been done. The three primary schools affected by these roaming jumbos are Mnigau, Tjompani and Male.
“The children travel long distances to schools and some of them have met the elephants on their way to school hence some of them have stopped attending school,” he said.
Clr Nleya said the elephants were not only a threat to pupils but to farmers in the area as well.
“We have gardens that are being destroyed by these elephants,” said clr Nleya.
He said the problem was new in the area as it only started a few months ago.
“These elephants which recently invaded our area are moving in large numbers and recently as many as 17 elephants were seen close to the business centre.
“If these invasions are not contained, we will have problems this coming cropping season,” said Clr Nleya.
Bulilima District Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Brown Ncube said the local authority had engaged Parks and Wildlife Management Authority so that it could deal with the stray elephants.
Online Reporter