The lawmaker said there is no proper management of the park, even though it has the potential to transform the country’s economy
By Theophilus Ochang
A member of parliament representing Lafon County in the Eastern Equatoria State assembly, Visor Likali has called on the national government to develop Badingilo National Game Park.
In his statement to the media in Torit on Tuesday, Likali said there is no proper management of the park, adding that such world heritage would help boost the country’s economy.
“This park is not well used. I know the country is suffering from this economic hardship but that side has been put as world heritage. There are some species in that land that are not found in some countries and the country is neglecting it and we are saying we have no money in the country.”
He noted that despite the management of the park being handed to the African Park, the area remains undeveloped and often attracts criminal activities such as abductions, cattle raiding, and unnecessary killing of people within the park.
“To me, it is not properly used although it is already given to African Park, that is the only partner operating in that including Boma National Park. Now that side is seen as the area of abduction, the area of cattle raiders, and killing people,” Likali highlighted.
He blamed the country’s leadership for failing to develop the area which he said the area portrays a wrong image instead of a positive one.
According to the lawmaker, there is a need for the establishment of game rangers to control the area as well as the opening of the feeder roads within the park to help attract tourists from other parts of the world.
“The best thing to utilize that park for the development of the country is there must be well-established game rangers who can patrol the areas.”
Lakili continued that it’s the sole responsibility of the government to control the national park and the indigenous people residing along the park for the development of the economy of the country.
“This park is not well used. I know the country is suffering from this economic hardship, but that side has been put as world heritage,” said Visor Likali, MP for Lafon County, Eastern Equatoria State Assembly.