Tanzania underway to install electric fences around Serengeti, Maswa, Kijereshi reserves against destructive wildlife

BARIADI: THE Tanzanian government has announced plans to construct an electric fence around the Maswa Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park and Kijereshi Game Reserve in Simiyu Region as part of efforts to prevent dangerous and destructive wildlife from entering residential areas.

Bariadi District Commissioner Simon Simalenga made the announcement yesterday while addressing residents of villages bordering the protected areas in Mwasinasi and Ihusi wards.

Simalenga said the fence is expected to provide a long-term solution to human-wildlife conflicts, including incidents of wild animals entering residential areas and farms and causing damage.

He said construction of the fence would also help combat poaching activities allegedly carried out by some residents living near the protected areas.

ALSO READ: Tanzania plans to erect fences in its national parks

“The Government plans to construct an electric fence as a long-term solution to prevent dangerous and destructive wildlife from entering residential areas and causing damage, as well as to curb poaching activities within the protected areas,” Simalenga said.

He said the fence would extend from one end of the targeted protected areas to the other, helping prevent wild animals from crossing the boundaries into residential areas and places where people conduct economic activities.

According to the District Commissioner, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the protection of conservation areas, safeguarding residents’ activities and reducing conflicts arising from interactions between people and wildlife.