Binga community shares views on proposed Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill

By Ibin Munsaka

Binga, Zimbabwe —The Parliamentary Portfolio on Environment, Climate Change and Tourism recently held a public hearing at Manjolo Drop-in Center in Sikalenge (ward 6), to gather community views from Binga on the newly gazetted Parks and Wildlife Bill (H.B 1, 2024).

The event was led by Honorable Joana Mamombe, the Chairperson of the Environment portfolio. Community members actively participated in the session, voicing their concerns and suggestions on the proposed legislation.

Vwelenga Mugande, a community member, suggested that in the new bill, all revenues collected by Parks and Wildlife in Binga District should benefit Matabeleland Province, particularly Binga, rather than being sent to Kwekwe in the Midlands Province, as the district has been granted town status by the President.

Another community member, a woman, proposed that the new law should give chiefs the power to be custodians of protected species like pythons. She explained that in Binga, people have traditionally used python fat to treat various ailments, including back problems, and to provide first aid for snake bites due to the medicinal properties of the python fat. “Empowering chiefs to oversee these resources would make it easier for the community to access them, she said”.

Bernard Munsaka, the Chairperson of Binga Fisheries, lamented that when Parks officers find fishermen in breeding areas, they often arrest the fishermen and impound their fishing rigs, instructing them to pay a fine of USD $2,000 to have their equipment released. Munsaka suggested that the new bill should consider arresting the fishermen but not impound their rigs, which are the livelihoods of the community.

In her keynote address, Honorable Joana Mamombe stated that the new law will include clauses to compensate those who have been maimed or killed by animals, or their beneficiaries, subject to certain considerations. She also advised the public that they have five days to submit their opinions on the bill through the Parliament email or to their members of parliament, and that the dates on their letters will be used to ensure their opinions are considered within the specified timeframe.

The public hearing provided a platform for the Binga community to actively engage with policymakers and share their perspectives on the proposed Parks and Wildlife legislation, ensuring their voices are heard in the development of this important law.