Staff Reporter
Government is moving with speed to fulfil its promise of aligning the country’s laws to the Constitution as it approves the Principles of the Parks and Wild life Management Bill.
Speaking during the 34th Cabinet Press Briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said Government intended to repel some laws within the Parks and Wildlife Act that are not consistent with the country’s Constitution.
“The Parks and Wildlife Amendment Bill will broaden parks scope of the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14) as well as harmonise it with all other Acts governing the wildlife sector, including aligning it to the Constitution.
“Properties that were acquired by the Government on behalf of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority will be provided for under the amended Act, which will also repeal the Quelea (Control) Act, the Rhodes Estate Act and the Trapping of Animals Act,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The Parks and Wildlife Act was last amended over two decades ago, which makes it fall short of the international best practices, hence the need for Government to hasten the process of aligning it to the prevailing environmental requirements among others.
“Cabinet notes that the current Parks and Wildlife Act was last amended over two decades ago, and the proposed amendments will align the legislation to the prevailing socio-economic-politico environment, as well as make it adaptable to the ever changing dynamics,” added Minister Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, illegal activities such as poaching, unsanctioned hunting activities and firewood poaching, will be dealt with effectively as the amendment will also include modern technological advancement systems that will enable law enforcement agents to execute their duties effectively.
