Tanzania National Parks’ Principal Ecologist, Dr James Wakibara, and the Serengeti National Park’s Chief Warden, Mr William Mwakilema, have both defended the proposed construction of Arusha-Musoma highway, via Serengeti saying it will ease administration and tourism.
Serengeti National Park
They were testifying on behalf of the government before the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), which was hearing witnesses in a Reference (case) by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare contesting Tanzania’s intention to build the road.
The Green Activists body, which is based in Nairobi, Kenya, had filed the case at EACJ arguing that the proposed road would be hazardous to animals. The sole witness for the applicant was Mr John Mabala- Kuloba, an Environment Consultant with Earth Services Limited in Kenya who believes that the road will affect flora and fauna in Serengeti. But he admits that the road will be beneficial to mankind.
Mr Kuloba, who practices assessment on environmental impact, participated in the evaluation of the Serengeti Highway with other experts and according to the assessment, both positive and negative impacts were observed.
He said that the proposed road goes through the National Park and due to noise and people’s movement on the road; animal behaviour would be affected, among other negative impacts. On the other hand, he noted that the road will create opportunities of provision of goods for the markets and reduce long distance travels for the people.
He, however, maintained that the project ought to be abandoned to protect the wildlife and the ecosystem of the National Park. The witness for the Respondent was Ms Zafarani Madayi, the Head of Safety and Environment, Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) who is representing the government.
She pointed out that what should be emphasised are the mitigation measures in order to enhance the positive impacts such as tourism and social-economic development. In March, 2012 the EACJ First Instance Division granted ANAW a temporary injunction against Tanzanian government which effectively blocked the latter’s attempt to construct a highway through Serengeti National Park until the Reference was heard and determined.
Present at the hearing were the Representative of ANAW, Mr Wachi Benson; his Lawyer Mr Saitabao Kanchory Mbalelo and Counsel for Tanzania, Mr Gabriel Malata and Principal State Attorney.
All appeared before The Principal Judge, Justice Jean Bosco Butasi, The Deputy Principal Judge Lady Justice Mary Stella Arach Amoko, Justice John Mkwawa, Justice Isaac Lenaola and Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo in an open Court. The Court will notify the parties on the day to highlight the written submissions.
The First Instance Division has resumed its third quarter sessions today which will go up to next month in Arusha. A total of 23 matters will be handled and these include; 13 References, four Applications coming up for hearing and scheduling conferences, one Judgment to be delivered and five taxations coming before the Registrar of the Court. The EACJ is one of the organs of the East African Community (EAC) established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.
By MARC NKWAME, Tanzania Daily News
