By JULIUS PHIRI –
CHIEF Kakumbi of the Kunda People of Mambwe District in Eastern Province has appealed to Government to quickly reconstitute Community Resource Boards (CRBs) which were dissolved by former Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo.
Chief Kakumbi said the work of the CRBs was to manage the wildlife on behalf of the community.
The traditional leader said the dissolution of the CRBs had left many tour operators to take tourists to view wildlife for free.
He said there was need to put in place a legal framework for communities to manage wildlife and be involved in decision-making on matters of natural resource management.
He also appealed to Government to address animal-human life conflict which was high in the valley areas.
Chief Kakumbi said the problem was posing a threat and accused the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) of failing to tackle it.
He also appealed to Government to drill a borehole at his palace.
Meanwhile, Malambo Cultural Association National Chairperson John Chilowa has appealed to the Kunda people to support this year’s Malaila Traditional ceremony in order to make it successful.
Mr Chilowa said the ceremony could only be successful with the full support of all the Kunda people even if it coincides with the Lulamba Traditional Ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete.
