Local News

Nationals want good share of hunting blocks

By Musa Juma

From The Arusha Times
December 11, 2010


Hunters and hunting block owners in the northern zone have congratulated the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ezekiel Maige on his new appointment to the portfolio.

Speaking to this reporter, Jonathan Lyimo, Peter Nicholaus and Ibrahim Mgaya, on behalf of the stakeholders, said they had deep trust in Minister Maige in allocation of hunting blocks through procedures spelt out under new law governing the industry.

Lyimo said they believed Minister Maige was the right person to resolve controversies emanating from implementation of the new law. He said under the new law, no one would be allowed to own more than five hunting blocks.

Mgaya on his part explained they had information that some companies were inviting new partners to bypass the law and go on enjoying occupying numerous hunting blocks at the detriment of law abiding companies especially those owned by Tanzanian nationals.

He said they were calling on the minister to ensure the local nationals got priority in allocation of hunting blocks.

Nicholaus said the spirit of the new law was giving more opportunities to locals in investing in the field of hunting tourism.

At the moment Tanzania has 149 hunting blocks listed under different criteria depending on type and population of game available.