Chande orders TAWA to intensify security against destructive wildlife in Ruangwa  

RUANGWA: THE Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hamad Hassan Chande has directed the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) to deploy a team of wildlife rangers to Mandawa Ward in Ruangwa District, Lindi Region, to establish a camp and strengthen patrols against dangerous and destructive wildlife, particularly elephants straying from protected areas.

Speaking to residents of Ruangwa District during a public meeting, Chande said the government had put in place deliberate measures to address the threat posed by destructive wildlife while recognising its responsibility to protect the country’s wildlife resources.

He said the government would continue strengthening measures to control the animals in order to protect the lives and property of local communities, including through the use of various technologies and interventions such as explosives, helicopters and regular patrols along wildlife routes before the animals cause harm to residents.

In a separate directive, Chande instructed the District Executive Director to deploy extension officers trained to use the Problem Animal Information System (PAIS) to the field to identify and address challenges affecting the system.

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The system is used to collect information on damage caused by wildlife and is also linked to the processing of compensation claims for affected communities.

Chande said the government was continuing to compensate victims of wildlife attacks and damage, noting that by June 2026, a total of 213 victims had received compensation.

He said other claims were still being processed and that the government expected to pay the remaining beneficiaries once verification of their claims through the PAIS system was completed.

Chande also directed the ministry to work with the district authorities to facilitate the construction of classrooms at Mandawa Primary School as part of efforts to ensure that local communities benefit from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives associated with wildlife conservation.