GEITA: OVER 14,000 residents in Kalenge Ward, Biharamulo District, are living in fear due to an invasion by stray hippopotamuses.
Kalenge Ward Councillor Mr. Erick Method reported that approximately 32 hippos from the Mwiruzi River have been roaming during the day, threatening nearby villages including Kanyonyi, Kalenge, and Msekwa.
The hippos have destroyed over 2,000 hectares of crops, leading to food insecurity.
“We urgently appeal for government intervention to address this issue,” Mr. Method said.
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Biharamulo District Natural Resources and Environment Development Officer Mr. Thomas Mahenge confirmed that efforts are underway in collaboration with TAWIRI and TANAPA to control the situation.
While no casualties have been reported, the damage to property and crops has been significant, and an evaluation report has been sent to the Ministry of Natural Resources for compensation.
