KINAPA revels in Covid 19 funds

The Kilimanjaro National Parks (KINAPA) has registered a significant increase in number of tourists, thanks to major infrastructural upgrade in the area.

The entity, which turned 50 last month, attracted more than 40,000 visitors who climbed Mt Kilimanjaro as of April this year.

Briefing reporters here on Monday evening, KINAPA Principal Conservation Officer Mapinduzi Boniface attributed the feat to Covid 19 funds.

According to Mr Boniface, the funds which are part of Tanzania Covid-19 Social-Economic Response and Recovery Plan (TCRP) have seen KINAPA undertake major infrastructural projects with a view of improving tourism services on Africa’s rooftop.

“The number of tourists has sharply risen to 47,000, there’s high chance of breaking even this year,” projected Principal Conservation Officer.

Around 50,000 Mountain enthusiasts scale Africa’s rooftop every year.

Divulging further on impact of the Covid-19 funds in the area’s tourism potential, Mr Boniface said the 797mn/- that was allocated to KINAPA has seen construction of a six-kilometre trail from Mandara hut to Millenium point.

The trails wouldn’t be in good shape if it wasn’t for the Covid-19 funds, he said.

In the same vein, KINAPA has also built five new helipads to enhance rescue missions on top of the Mountain.

“The initial landing and take-off points didn’t meet Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority’s standards, but thanks to Covid funds we’ve managed to build new ones,” he said.

The landing and take-off areas have been built in Horombo, Karanga and Last water point.

Others have been put in place Shira and Mweka areas.

The presence of the helipads will guarantee climbers of their safety once climbing and descending Mount Kilimanjaro, according to Mr Boniface.

Coupled with the Royal Tour documentary, the KINAPA official oozed confidence that infrastructural upgrade will attract even more climbers sooner than later.

A tourist from the United States of America who recently climbed the mountain Babra Lewis didn’t hide her joy, following the rehabilitation of trails and pathways on Africa’s rooftop.

“The park’s management have done a tremendous job in restoring some of the trails, it has been so enjoyable summiting the Kili,” observed the seasoned climber.
In September last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved 567.25 million US dollars (about 1.3tri/-) in emergency financial assistance, 189.08 million US dollars under the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) and a purchase equivalent to 378.17 million US dollars under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).

Such tools are said to support the authorities’ efforts in responding to the pandemic by addressing the urgent health, humanitarian and economic costs, according to the international financial body.