Environmental Management Agency slammed over reaction to cyanide poisoning

Concern has been raised over the late response by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to the cyanide poisoning that killed 60 elephants in Hwange National Park and reports are that more animals are still dying as the chemical is still in the environment.

Parks and Wildlife Authority officials and the Matabeleland North police officers say despite being alerted of the problem at the beginning of this month the EMA had not responded until the Minister responsible took a trip to the area.

Matabeleland North Assistant Commissioner Musarashana Mabunda said that the team on the ground from police and parks and wildlife management have no expertise to dispose of cyanide and will have to wait for EMA officials for their input and professional advice.

Hwange National Park area manager Trumber Jura revealed that although EMA responded late the authority is currently resource constrained in terms of vehicles, staff shortage, skills training to match the current method of poaching.

Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi criticised EMA's late reaction saying it is disturbing that EMA has not reacted to the problem of such magnitude in time.

They concurred that something needs to be done as a matter of urgency considering that as long as the cyanide chemical is in the ground animals will continue to die.

To date, a team of 22 police officers and 27 parks and wildlife authority officials are on the ground manually identifying spots where cyanide still remain in the soil and disposing of it.

According to the EMA Act, one must be given a certificate of importation or handling. For one to handle poisonous materials like cyanide.

The six men accused of killing the elephants with cyanide are expected to appear in court on the 22nd of this month in Tsholotsho.