The Government has reassured residents of Isela–Ndolezi in Songwe Region that there are no plans to expand the Kimondo area or relocate communities to pave the way for wildlife-related activities.
The clarification was made in Parliament in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande, while responding to a question from Japhet Ngailonga Hasunga during the 28th sitting of the Third Meeting of the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Hasunga had sought clarification on whether the Government intended to compensate residents of Isela–Ndolezi to allow expansion of the Kimondo conservation area and introduce wildlife activities in the area.
In his response, Chande said the Government has no such plan at the moment, stressing that priority has been given to developing and maximizing the existing site before considering any future expansion.
He explained that after a detailed technical assessment of the current area, authorities concluded that the best approach is to first strengthen infrastructure, services, and tourism value within the existing boundaries.
“Following a detailed analysis of the current area, the Government found it more beneficial to develop the site and ensure it delivers tangible benefits before considering any plans to acquire additional land. At present, there are no plans to expand the area or introduce activities different from those currently being implemented,” he said.
Chande further clarified that the Mbozi Meteorite was officially declared a National Heritage Site in 1967 under Government Notice No. 90 through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism’s Antiquities Division.
He added that in 2020, the site was formally handed over for management to the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority through Government Notice No. 631 of 14 August 2020, with the aim of strengthening its management, improving operations, and enhancing its contribution to tourism development in southern Tanzania.
The Government emphasized that the ongoing approach seeks to promote responsible tourism growth while ensuring that surrounding communities continue to live and carry out their economic activities without disruption or fear of displacement.
