Roaming livestock threaten environment, says Dodoma RC
DODOMA: DODOMA Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule has called for strict enforcement of by-laws banning roaming and street grazing of livestock, saying the practice significantly contributes to environmental degradation, including the destruction of newly planted trees.
Ms Senyamule made the remarks over the weekend during the launch of a treeplanting campaign in Iyumbu Ward, Dodoma City, organised by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Iyumbu Designated Parish, through its Men’s Fellowship.
She said effective environmental conservation requires close supervision by government leaders at all levels, from villages and wards to districts, regions and the national level, emphasising that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
“Let us effectively discharge our responsibility for environmental conservation in our respective areas so that the national capital reflects cleanliness and environmental order,” she said.
The Regional Commissioner noted that existing bylaws regulating urban livestock keeping prohibit herding animals on streets, stressing that livestock should be kept under modern zero-grazing systems, where animals are confined and provided with feed.
She observed that roaming livestock has discouraged residents from planting trees for fear of destruction, urging local government officials to enforce the regulations so that citizens understand that development requires behavioural change, in line with Dodoma Region’s ongoing transformation.
“Development demands a shift towards modern livestock-keeping practices through education and, where necessary, enforcement,” she added.
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Meanwhile, the church’s lead pastor, Rev Naftaly Njawike, said environmental conservation is a divine directive and called on religious institutions to work closely with the government to protect the environment while nurturing citizens spiritually and raising awareness about the importance of nature as the source of human life.
Iyumbu Ward Councillor Sadiki Mponyamili said the ward has begun identifying households keeping livestock, particularly those with large herds to guide them on appropriate measures, including relocating animals to rural areas with sufficient grazing land.
On his part, the Chairperson of the ELCT Men’s Fellowship at Iyumbu Designated Parish, Mr Ernest Mcharo, said the campaign is being implemented under the slogan ‘Green Iyumbu Begins with My Home.’ He said the group aims to plant 3,000 trees between January and March, noting that so far 2,420 trees have been planted in 484 households, with each household planting an average of five trees.
