ZAWA loses K272m after 35 buffaloes die in stampede

Written by Fredrick Mwansa in Itezhi-tezhi

From The Post
October 3, 2009

THE Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has lost K272 million as a result of the death of 35 buffaloes in Kafue National Park due to stampede.
During a District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) meeting held at Itezhi-tezhi district council, ZAWA area warden Christopher Kaoma told members of the DDCC that each buffalo costs K2.5 million when it is sold to a safari hunter.

"The loss of 35 buffaloes translates into monetary loss of K272 million that could have gone into the coffers of the statutory body," he said.

And DDCC members have blamed the Itezhi-tezhi district veterinary office for not responding quickly when they where informed about the death of the buffaloes.

The members said that if the Veterinary Department responded quickly and examined the carcasses on time, ZAWA would have sold that meat and even distributed to local people.

"We are very disappointed that 35 carcasses of buffalo had to rot while floating on the lake without our local veterinary department examining and certifying the meat for consumption of the local people. The meat would have benefited ZAWA in monetary terms and people would have benefited nutritionally" said Kaoma.

And Itezhi-tezhi district agriculture coordinator Frank Lubasi, who accepted the blame, said that it was disappointing that it took foreign veterinary doctors from United Kingdom (World Wide Vet Services) to come and ascertain the cause of death when there was a veterinary office in Itezhi-tezhi.

He said despite the department having all the necessary equipment including transport at their disposal, they delayed to get to the scene.

A lot of crocodiles and vultures have descended on the rotting buffalos.

ZAWA attributed the death of the buffaloes to a stampede caused by lions chasing them.

Meanwhile ZAWA and three Namwala Game Management Area chiefs in Itezhi-tezhi have given illegal settlers in Namwala Game Management Area up to Monday to move out or face eviction.

According to a statement signed by ZAWA director general Dr Steven Saiwana, chief Shimbizhi, chief Kaingu and chief Chilyabufu and made available to ZANIS, the mass evictions of alleged illegal settlers will start on October 5 2009.