THE CITIZEN (Tanzania) 21 February 11 Villagers cry foul over croc ‘farm’ by Grumeti Reserve (Anthony Mayunga)

Serengeti: Residents of Makundusi village in Serengeti District are up in arms against the management of Grumeti Game Reserve for allegedly raising crocodiles in an artificial pond meant to provide water for villagers and their livestock.

But the game reserve has refuted the allegations, adding that there are no crocodiles in the pond as claimed by the villagers.

Speaking to The Citizen at different times, the villagers said the presence of crocodiles in the pond has prevented women from accessing water, thereby worsening the effects of the drought even as pastoralists travel long distances to find water for their livestock.

Mr Benard Mossi, who is in charge of the village’s environment and natural resources, said the crocodiles were introduced in the pond in April 2009 from Mara River without any agreement between the villagers and the reserve.

“As custodians of the village’s environment we followed up the matter with the district commissioner, Mr Edward Olelenga, but we were threatened and chased away,” said Mossi.

Makundusi village chairman Juma Porini told this paper that there was no formal agreement between the villagers and Grumeti Game Reserves concerning the use of the pond, which was constructed by the villagers.

“The Grumeti management has been reaping millions of shillings by inviting tourists to the area to view crocodiles in the pond, with the village getting nothing out of the investment,” he charged.

He added that it was unacceptable to put a community-owned property to private use without the consent of the village leadership.

A tour of the area by The Citizen over the weekend revealed warning signs indicating the existence of dangerous crocodiles in the pond.

Another villager, Mr Josephat Kagoro, told this paper that crocodiles exist in the pond and that the villagers were no longer able to water their cows in the area for fear of crocodile attacks.

Mr Morigo Sorota said the villagers’ efforts to raise the matter with district authorities have yielded nothing but threats.

However, information from the game reserve said the controversial pond is within the company’s area. Speaking on condition of anonymity, because he is not authorised to speak on behalf of the company, a person who is close to Grumeti management said the latter had constructed another pond for the villagers.

“The company decided to dig another pond so as to enable the villagers have a place to water their animals because before the establishment of the game reserve they used to depend on the pond,” he said.

He noted that at one time the company decided to raise crocodiles in the pond but the idea was abandoned after it was established that it might affect the ecological balance of the area.
Villagers cry foul over croc ‘farm’

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