$17million for Chief's Cars | Elephant Meat is Food Relief
The Zimbabwean government is considering culling elephants to manage overpopulation and provide meat to communities facing food insecurity, according to Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni.
This revelation came during a Parliamentary session on Tuesday when MP Joseph Bonda questioned the government’s strategy for controlling the growing elephant population.
“With the elephant population now at 100 000—double the recommended ecological balance—and causing starvation and deaths among the animals themselves, does the government have plans to reduce the numbers by culling and distributing the meat to schools, prisons, and drought-stricken communities?” MP Bonda asked.
In response, Dr Nyoni confirmed that discussions are underway with ZimParks and local communities to explore a program similar to one in Namibia, where elephant meat is distributed to those in need.
$17million for Chief's Cars | Elephant Meat is Food Relief
“Zimbabwe has more elephants than our forests can sustain. We are in talks with ZimParks and communities to potentially dry and package the meat, ensuring it reaches those who need the protein,” Dr Nyoni said.
Meanwhile…
The government blew US$17 million pampering chiefs with twin-cab vehicles early this year.
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube told Parliament the expenditure was not budgeted for. Ncube justified the unbudgeted expenditure, stating that the vehicles are essential tools of trade for chiefs to attend to their constituents.
“It must say it should be noted that the Council of Chiefs incurred excess expenditures on its vote due, in part, to the unbudgeted procurement of 237 vehicles for chiefs as well as review of allowances and other related national events. However, the vehicles were the bulk of this expenditure. These are tools of trade.
Zim Gets $32 Million to Fight Hunger But Challenges Remain
“They ought to be able to move around to attend to their constituents and they need to be mobile. So, this is important, but unfortunately, it was way above their budget, but we were able to cover for it as Treasury through unallocated reserves.”
