CHALINZE District Council Chairman Hassan Mwinyikondo has urged youth in Bgamoyo District, Coast Region, to refrain from illegal activities such as tree cutting and charcoal burning within Wami Mbiki Game Reserve, and instead explore alternative income-generating ventures.

Mwinyikondo made the call over the weekend during  the ceremony to hand over furniture donated by   Wami-Mbiki Game Reserve to the Visakazi Village dispensary. 

He encouraged youth to take advantage of council loans, which exceed 2bn/- to start businesses such as boda boda services and small-scale trading activities , in line with the government’s conservation efforts.

He also urged residents to value public servants and highlighted plans to equip health facilities with diagnostic tools. Furthermore, he called on   Wami Mbiki Game Reserve to continue  to offer  seasonal jobs to nearby villages.

Dr. Noel Sumka, in charge of Visakazi dispensary, expressed gratitude for the donation,   saying  the village still faces challenges of staff shortage , water scarcity, and inadequate medical supplies.

Visakazi Village Chairman Moses Mghwira acknowledged improved relations with the reserve, while acting reserve commander Imani Mkonda emphasised the importance of conservation for tourism revenue and called on citizens to protect natural resources.

Wami-Mbiki Game Reserve, previously known as   Wami-Mbiki Wildlife Management Area (WWMA), was reclassified as   Game Reserve in 2020. The   recent census marks the official inaugural wildlife survey for the area, serving as a foundational reference, detailing both the wildlife population  and human activities within the reserve. 

Previously, there were concerns regarding the WWMA’s inadequacy in conducting effective anti-poaching patrols. This shortfall resulted in     illegal  activities, such as poaching, overgrazing, tree-felling, and charcoal production. In light of the  challenges, the government took  strategic efforts to elevate its status to a game reserve.