Lukuvi launches land use plan in Serengeti

The Minister four Land, Housing and Human Settlements Development William Lukuvi has launched the land use plan to be accessed by both local and foreigners with a view to foster investments in Serengeti district. Execution of the plan, under the Serengeti Ecosystem Development and Conservation Project (SEDCP), is supported by Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) under the auspices of the Germany government through KfW Development Bank. The project beneficiaries are villages bordering the Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) and Ikorongo/ Grumeti Game reserves in Western Serengeti. Mr Lukuvi welcomed the programme, which he said supports government efforts to transform the lives of citizens. “These are good plans to foster investments and reduce conflicts... the government gives them priority in assisting the citizens,” said Mr Lukuvi. The District Executive Director (DED) Engineer Juma Hamsini told the Minister that some 1.3bn/- has been allocated to support the programme in Serengeti and Ngorongoro districts. He said villagers in the targeted areas would be fully involved in deciding the contents of the plans. Eng Hamsini said introduction of land use plans in the villages will help to reduce rising human/wildlife conflicts and attract more investments, among other things. Mara Regional Commissioner (RC) Adam Malima welcomed the project, which will also be replicated in Ngorongoro district. The Germany headquartered FZS is an international conservation organisation with immense support to conservation projects in Tanzania. The presence of FZS in the country for over 50 years now has had great contribution to ensure that Serengeti ecology remains intact.