From the Hunt Network

Tanzania: Tanapa challenged to intensify anti poaching war
on 2007/8/14 6:28:29 (3 reads)
RODNEY THADEUS

THE Minister for Tourism and Natural Resources, Prof Jumanne Maghembe, has challenged the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) to use its new light aircraft to intensify war against poaching.

Prof Maghembe made the call in Dar es Salaam on Sunday evening when receiving the newly purchased 2.8 trillion/- Cessna Caravan 208B aircraft from a US company, the Wings of Eagles.

The handing over was held at terminal one of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Airport.

“The challenge ahead is to use this modern facility to protect animals from poachersâ€, Maghembe told TANAPA officials.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to transform tourism sector into a major source of revenue by the year 2010. Between this and next year, the country is expected to receive about 900,000 tourists.

According to Prof Maghembe, the new 14-seater aircraft would also be used to transport tourists to various attractions especially in the south and western circuits.

TANAPA Director General Gerald Bigurube, said the aircraft, the first of its kind to be possessed by the company, was fitted with modern detectors and can fly even during bad weather.

The aircraft has capacity to carry four tons and can cruise at a speed of 400 km per hour, according to Stuart Mills, a Pilot who flew the plane from the US.

Dr Bigurube said the process to purchase the plane started five years ago but procurement procedures delayed the exercise until 2004 when government approved its purchase.

He said that two more Cessna Caravans are expected to arrive in the country before the end of this year.


http://www.dailynews-tsn.com/page.php?id=8131

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