The newly appointed Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, and her Deputy, Hamad Chande, have urged conservation officers and wildlife rangers across the country to uphold humanity and professionalism in serving citizens, protecting wildlife, and welcoming tourists.
Speaking during a tour of the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), Dr. Kijaji commended the agency’s efforts and announced the handover of four vehicles, 33 motorcycles, a tricycle and operational tools including drones.
As detailed on her speech, Dr. Kijaji highlighted that an investment made reflects the Sixth-Phase Government’s commitment to strengthening conservation under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“Our emphasis as leaders of this Ministry is that TAWA is one of the institutions that interacts directly with people on the ground. I am directing you to maintain humanity and courtesy in everything you do, whether conserving wildlife, protecting communities from dangerous animals, or receiving tourists,” she said.
Deputy Minister Chande applauded conservation officers nationwide for their dedication, assuring them that the new leadership is ready to work closely with them to address operational challenges.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, who led staff in receiving the new leaders during their first familiarisation tour of conservation institutions, said that despite significant recruitment over the last four years, safeguarding wildlife resources remains a central task.
“Honourable Minister, beyond the expanded human resource base, you will also be responsible for overseeing the protection of key wildlife populations, including 17,000 lions, 225,000 buffaloes, 60,000 elephants and 24,000 leopards across the country, to mention a few,” he noted.
The Minister and her Deputy are continuing their introductory tour across various institutions within the sector and inspecting ongoing tourism development projects.