On Thursday, (August 22), a total of 79 households,
including 367 people and 995 livestock, voluntarily moved from the Ngorongoro
Conservation Area to Msomera Village in Handeni and other places of their
choice.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Tourism, CP Benedict Wakulyamba, said that this move is part of
the plan to protect the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
"You have made a wise decision to move out of the
Conservation Area. This will help improve your lives and preserve Ngorongoro,
which is unique in Africa and the world," he said in a farewell event.
He encouraged the people who moved to share the benefits of
relocating with those still in Ngorongoro.
"Tell others about the opportunities available outside
the Conservation Area so they can also consider moving," he added.
CP Wakulyamba warned that some people are moving to Msomera
without following the proper procedures, causing problems for those already
living there. "Please follow the guidelines to become legitimate residents
in your new areas," he advised.
Chief Conservation Officer Flora Assey provided an update on
the relocation program.
"Since we started in June 2022, about 1,598 households,
with 9,618 people and 39,779 livestock, have moved from Ngorongoro to Msomera
and other places," she said.
Engineer Daniel Chegere, speaking on behalf of the
Conservation Commissioner, said the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority is
continuing to educate people about the benefits of relocation.
"The government has set up modern infrastructure and
essential services in safer areas outside the Conservation Area," he
explained.
Engineer Chegere also said that the security in Ngorongoro
is good, and tourists are visiting without any issues.
