Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania. Conservation Commissioner of Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA)
Musa Nassoro Kuji Juma received vital machinery from the Frankfurt Zoological
Society (FZS) on August 13, 2024, aimed at repairing and maintaining road
infrastructure in Serengeti National Park.
The
donation comes in response to extensive damage caused by heavy rains earlier
this year in northern Tanzania and neighboring Kenya.
The
equipment, including two motor graders and one roller compactor, was handed
over at Fort Ikoma within the park. Commissioner Kuji highlighted the
timeliness of the donation, noting the current surge in tourist visits.
"The increase in tourist traffic has put additional strain on our roads, necessitating more frequent repairs," Kuji said.
Expressing
gratitude to FZS, Kuji assured that the machinery would be well-maintained for
its intended purpose.
"With
this equipment, we are better positioned to improve our infrastructure, which
is crucial as we work toward the government’s goal of attracting 5 million
tourists and generating USD 6 billion in revenue by 2025. This initiative
supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to enhance tourism and
conservation in Tanzania," Kuji added.
Dr. Ezekiel Amani Dembe, Resident Director of FZS in Tanzania, emphasized TANAPA's critical role in conservation and tourism.
"We are confident that this
machinery will be used effectively for the long-term upkeep of roads essential
for both tourism and conservation," said Dr. Dembe.
The
collaboration between TANAPA and FZS has been a cornerstone of Tanzania's
conservation and tourism efforts, and both parties emphasized the importance of
continuing this partnership.
Andrew Mwakisu, Project Coordinator for FZS, announced the arrival of additional equipment later this month.
"Along with today's handover, an excavator and
a backhoe are expected to arrive in Serengeti by the end of August,"
Mwakisu confirmed.
Serengeti National Park, established in 1959, is Tanzania's oldest and most visited national park, drawing over 400,000 tourists each year.
