Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule says the construction of the 133-kilometre perimeter fence on the eastern stretch of Kasungu National Park will reduce human-animal conflict in the areas surrounding the park.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife constructed the K2.8 billion solar-powered fence with technical and financial assistance from International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw).
Speaking on Tuesday when she commissioned the fence, Kamtukule commended the project, saying it will help 20 000 people living close to the park to thrive together with animals without clashes.
She said: “We were experiencing human-wildlife conflict as animals were coming out of the park, killing people and destroying crops and property. But now that’s the thing of the past.
“Again, when the animals strayed out of the park, community members were killing them.”
Kamtukule also emphasised the importance of collaboration between park authorities and community members in the park conservation activities to reduce cases of communities damaging the fence and invading the protected area for livelihood.
Ifaw country director for Malawi and Zambia Landscape Connectivity Patricio Ndadzela described the fence as an effective tool to deal with human-animal conflict.
He said: “People and animals must live together and for this to happen, we must mitigate human-wild conflicts.
“This fence will go a long way in protecting people, crops and providing enough security for animals. It’s momentous for us in supporting the government in wildlife conservation.”
Speaking on behalf of communities surrounding the park, Senior Chief Lukwa thanked Ifaw for the fence. He urged the people to take care of the fence.
During the event, Ifaw also donated three vehicles worth K473 million and 11 motorcycles bought at K66 million to the Department of Wildlife to ease mobility challenges when managing the park
