The Mafwe Traditional Authority in the Zambezi Region is not happy with the current compensation policy for losses incurred through human-wildlife conflicts.
Traditional councillors expressed their discontent during an engagement with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
Mafwe Traditional Authority councillors believe that the current compensation of N$100,000 for loss of life due to wildlife attacks is inadequate and instead want this amount to be increased to at least N$200,000 as a one-time payment.
Additionally, they are of the opinion that beneficiaries and dependents of the deceased should receive a monthly stipend of N$5000 and a monthly compensation of N$10,000 for individuals who sustain injuries during human-wildlife conflicts, resulting in disability; this would be accompanied by a one-time payment of N$50,000.
The Mafwe Traditional Authority also wants compensation for the loss of goats, sheep, and donkeys increased to at least N$1500 instead of N$500, while suggesting a minimum of N$15,000 for the loss of cattle and horses.