By Catherine Mbena, Saadani
The Board of Trustees of
the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) On July 24, 2024, led by
Chairman General (Retired) George Marwa Waitara, visited Saadani National Park
to assess its operational progress. The visit provided an opportunity to
receive a report on the park's development projects.
In his briefing, Chief
Conservation Officer Simon Aweda highlighted the significant strides in
development facilitated by the cooperation between Saadani National Park and
investors. He noted that various stakeholders have actively supported
conservation efforts, driving tourism growth in the region.
"Stakeholders
surrounding Saadani National Park have been pivotal in supporting conservation
and tourism initiatives," said Aweda. "For instance, Bagamoyo Sugar
Company funded equipment and the installation of wave pumps 'collars,'
contributing over 180 million Tanzanian shillings. This funding covered the
cost of equipment, experts involved in the project, and a helicopter used
during the operation."
Aweda also mentioned that
Bagamoyo Sugar went further by repairing a patrol vehicle used to prevent
destructive wildlife from entering farmlands.
Additionally, Saadani
Safari Lodge, an investor within the park, contributed 39 million Tanzanian
shillings for major repairs to the Saadani airstrip. The airstrip had been
damaged by heavy rains in the previous and current year, and the restoration
has ensured that flights can land safely year-round.
"Mount Kilimanjaro
Safari Club also helped address our electricity issues by connecting the Madete
Gate to the national grid," Aweda added. "Previously, we relied on
solar power and generators to operate the gate."
Chairman General Waitara
commended the collaboration between the park and investors, emphasizing the
importance of good neighborly relations for development.
"I'm pleased to see
the positive relationships between Saadani and these investors. I commend
everyone for this excellent cooperation. If you encounter any challenges, don't
hesitate to reach out to your neighbors for assistance. Areas plagued by
conflict stagnate in development," said Waitara.
Aaron Kasasa, Manager of Bagamoyo Sugar, shared insights with the Board on how the company's partnership with Saadani National Park has fostered mutual development.
"Bagamoyo Sugar and
Saadani enjoy very good relations. We believe that our rapid development in
production is rooted in this good cooperation with our neighbors. Since our
inception, we have had no conflicts with the park," Kasasa explained.
The TANAPA Board of
Trustees praised the work being done at Saadani National Park, particularly the
efforts to increase tourist numbers. They urged the park's management to
intensify marketing efforts for Saadani's unique attractions, aligning with the
government's goal of attracting five million tourists by 2025.
Earlier, the Board visited strategic projects underway at the park, including the construction of new hostels for students, and a dining hall, and reviewed water usage activities between Bagamoyo Sugar and Saadani National Park.
