LILLIAN CHIKANDI writes
RESIDENTS of Siabulembo and Nakakuyu villages in Mushungu ward of Chirundu are living in fear following the heavy presence of elephants in the area.
One of the concerned residents, Mr. Rex Himambile of Siabulembo village expressed concern especially now that the elephants were even trespassing in their villages.
Mr. Himambile accused some headmen of not taking any action against the beasts, noting that when an elephant or hippo was killed they were the ones in the forefront to claim meat instead of engaging the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Mushungu ward councilor Ben Munsaka has told the Sun that the presence of elephants in the area was very serious and quickly appealed to DNPW to move in.
And Chirundu DNPW senior ranger Shadreck Silumesi confirmed the presence of a large number of elephants in Chirundu which were coming from Zimbabwe.
Mr. Silumesi said his office suspected that maybe the animals were being disturbed on the other aside and planned to engage wildlife authorities in Zimbabwe.
He said another reason could be due to changes in climate and so the elephants were looking for food especially where people were practicing farming.
Mr. Silumesi advised the members of the public to desist from using dogs to bark at the elephants and making noise because by doing so the animals became agitated and anything could happen.
He has also cautioned the public to keep away from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) water intake where the elephants had camped and said his officers were observing the situation on high alert.
