Hon. Kheri James, the District Commissioner for Iringa Urban, has handed over donations of essential supplies worth over TZS 7.6 million to individuals with special needs in Idodi Ward, located in Iringa Rural District.
The handover event, held today, October 6, 2024, in Tungamalenga village, is part of the celebrations marking 60 years of Ruaha National Park.
The park's anniversary will be officially celebrated on October 7, 2024.
The donated items included four wheelchairs for people with special needs, 44 pairs of shoes for both boys and girls in the ward's primary schools, 44 school shirts, 21 pairs of shorts for boys, 23 skirts for girls, 20 containers of cooking oil (10 liters each), 20 boxes of soap, and 20 bags of flour, each weighing 50 kilograms.
In his remarks, Hon. James said, “This event is part of the commemoration of Ruaha National Park's 60 years since its founding in 1964. It’s a testament to your continued collaboration with conservationists to safeguard these precious natural resources.”
Southern Conservation Zone Commander, Deputy Commissioner Steria Ndaga, of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), highlighted that Ruaha National Park is surrounded by 84 villages from Iringa, Mufindi, Mbarali, Chunya, and Chamwino districts.
The communities have benefited from various social projects over the years.
“The aim is for the people to recognize the value of the natural resources around them and work to preserve them for their benefit and that of the nation,” she noted.
Commissioner Ndaga also pointed out that the park's Good Neighbor Program provides education on conservation and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, Ruaha National Park has supported numerous community projects, including the construction of schools, clinics, clean water wells, dormitories, and toilets for primary and secondary schools.
Today's donation is part of the ongoing festivities commemorating the 60th anniversary of Ruaha National Park, which kicked off on October 1, 2024. The celebrations were inaugurated by traditional chiefs from the Iringa Region, who toured the park and explored its unique attractions.