Chirundu District Commissioner Patrick Kasambila says the Department of National Parks and  Wildlife  ( DNPW ) has remained resolute to address the escalating Human -Animal conflict in the area.

Mr. Kasambila says that despite its low staffing  levels, the DNPW has deployed  its officers to adequately patrol the vast area along the Lower Zambezi National Park stretch covering Chirundu as well.

In an interview with ZANIS at his office, the District Commissioner disclosed that the department is actively engaging key stakeholders and communities living near Game Management Areas (GMAs) to address the situation in the immediate, short and long term.

” I assure the affected communities to be patient with the New Dawn government as a lasting solution is being sought, ” he said.

Human – Wildlife Conflict has become a daily occurrence in Chirundu where in some instances property and crops get destroyed.

In some communities living along the Game Management Areas ( GMAs ) it’s a fit for the strong as Elephants, hippos and crocodiles, among other wild animals  are causing havoc to both crops and humans.

The status quo has  been exacerbated by the adverse effects of the El Nino weather phenomenally induced drought in Zambia and neighbouring Zimbabwe.