PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Natural Resources and Tourism minister to review regulations for fair and timely compensation to victims of human-wildlife conflicts.

 Addressing a rally in Lushoto as part of an eight day tour of Tanga Region, the president reiterated plans for the construction of a large dam in Mkomazi, intended to benefit farmers and wildlife.

The project will facilitate enhancing irrigation, which is essential for improving food security and local economies, she said, noting that the Mkomazi dam project is part of efforts towards tackling human-wildlife conflicts with innovative tools.

Acknowledging occurrences of repeated incidents of human-wildlife conflict, she assured the audience that the government was working to intensify efforts to mitigate the breadth of the problem.

Gesturing in the direction of Rashid Shangazi (Mlalo MP) who raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict, she assured the audience that the government is actively addressing the matter, demanding the minister to work on more rapid compensation.

She also pointed at initiatives like hiring more wildlife agency staff to oversee animal migrations, praising the use of public funds in the region.

One notable area was infrastructure and services, she said, commending the residents of Lushoto for their dedication to environmental conservation.

The president launched the Bumbuli District Council building, expressing gratitude to contractors, consultants and district officials for their contribution to the project. The facility helps to improve service delivery, providing better working conditions for public servants.

“This building belongs to the people of Bumbuli. All services will be available here, and I encourage you to use it for your benefit,” she emphasised.

The government has constructed 122 district council buildings in the past four years, she stated, highlighting district plans to tender key road projects in the zone, including the 22km Soni-Bumbuli road and a 9.3km stretch from Meta to Shemsi.

The ongoing construction of the Bagamoyo-Pangani-Tanga road will further open up economic activities, while improved water transport services will benefit Tanga, Unguja and Pemba, she further noted.

In a personal gesture, President Samia expressed forgiveness for Bumbuli MP January Makamba, after a previous disagreement, signalling reconciliation with a warm embrace.

The MP thanked the president for her support in his appointments as Minister of Energy and later as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, as well as for the development projects that have improved life in Bumbuli and Lushoto.

The region has historical support for the ruling CCM and expects to maintain high voter turnout for the party in future elections, he added.