Residents of Kasulu Rural Constituency are continuing to reap benefits from the presence of an investor in the Makere Forest Reserve, receiving community development funds of over TZS 12 million annually.
These funds are provided by the investor to support the implementation of village development projects.
This was stated in Parliament in Dodoma by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, while responding to a question from Kasulu Rural MP, Edibil Kazala Kinyoma, who asked, “To what extent are the residents of Kasulu Rural Constituency benefiting from the presence of the Makere Forest Reserve investor?”
Dr. Kijaji explained that, considering the priorities of the respective villages for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, Kagera Nkanda, Chekenya, and Kabulanzwili villages each received TZS 4,356,435.67.
“Additionally, funds generated from 25 percent of the fees collected from hunted wildlife in the reserve, in accordance with Section 137 of the 2025 Finance Act, are paid by the government to the relevant councils,” Dr. Kijaji clarified.
He further noted that 60 percent of these funds are allocated to development projects, while 40 percent support conservation activities in the villages surrounding the reserve.
“In addition to these benefits, during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 periods, the investor, in collaboration with the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), has contributed community projects valued at TZS 166,475,000,” Dr. Kijaji added.
The minister highlighted that the funds have been used to support an eye care medical camp in Kasulu District, supply 100 desks to primary schools Chekenya (25), Nyakasanda (25), and Nyantuku (50)—and dig six water wells in Kamganza, Kasasa, Mwitiri, Chekenya, and Nyantuki primary schools, as well as Kagerankanda Health Centre.
