ANOTHER group of 367 people who resided within Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) yesterday “voluntarily” left the area for Msomera Village in Tanga Region to pave the way for conservation activities.

Chief conservation officer at NCAA Flora Assey presented a detailed report to Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Benedict Wakulyamba during a ceremony to bid farewell to the residents. The residents are from Olpiro, Masamburai, Kapenjiro, Naiyobi and Nainokanoka villages. 

They were reportedly provided with 10m/- each as compensation for their relocation. “This amount is deposited into their accounts one day after their arrival,” she said. 

The decision aims to motivate residents who voluntarily relocate to build new homes, distinct from the three-room houses provided by the government. “Residents who continue to voluntarily relocate are doing so at a rapid pace. 

As of yesterday, a total of 79 households with 367 people and 995 livestock relocated to Msomera Village in Handeni District, and to other areas of their choice,” she added. 

Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner Daniel Chegere said that NCAA was continuing with efforts to educate residents on the importance of voluntarily leaving the conservation area.

In his remarks, the deputy PS stated that the departure of this group is part of the implementation of the plan to conserve the NCAA. He added that the relocation exercise aims to improve the living conditions of residents and provide them with economic opportunities outside the conservation area.

 “The decision you made today demonstrates your understanding of conservation challenges and shows your wisdom in moving to enhance your lives while preserving the unique Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is exceptional in Africa and the world,” he said.

Wakulyamba emphasised the importance of adhering to relocation procedures to avoid potential challenges and ensure that residents become legal occupants of their new plots.

 Since the start of the process in June 2022 until this month, a total of 1,598 households with 9,618 people and 39,779 livestock have relocated to Msomera Village and other areas.