By Bisola Adeyemo
African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has donated a Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab for use by the ZimParks conservation team in combating poaching.
This was done as part of effort in fighting against poaching of wildlife species along the Zambezi River.
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has partnered with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to intensify the fight again poaching in the Marongora area of Mashonaland West province, new Zimbabwe reports
The Zambezi River Specialised Anti-Poaching Unit (ZARSAU) was established to undertake anti-poaching activities and has been under-resourced, hence the intervention by AWF, which also refurbished offices and housing accommodation at D Camp.
In his address during the official handover and launch, ZimParks director-general, Fullard Mangwanya applauded (AWF) for donating towards conservation of flora and fauna.
“You have witnessed the handover of a brand-new Toyota Hilux Twin Cab GD6 which we humbly received and will assign to our intelligence and investigations work.
This is part of the ongoing support from CITES MIKE programme through AWF as the implementing partner and in addition, we have already received three new SUV Toyota Landcruisers for conservation support amongst other different types of support.
“The resuscitation, refurbishment and retooling of the Marongora vehicle workshop comes at no better time than now when the region has received and acquired significant numbers of operational vehicles and equipment.”
“These vehicles and equipment require constant services and repairs for prolonged life span during use. It is no hidden fact that the costs of offering these services through private workshops demand huge budgets from ZimParks.” the director added.
While addressing the new ZARSAU Unit and all ZimParks employees, the director advised them to maintain good conduct, remain professional in the discharge of conservation mandate.