The Managing Director (MD) of Tanganyika Film & Safari Outfitters that own and run the ranch, Mr Peter Jones, said unfortunately some properties are not covered by insurance as he had just constructed them.
The MD said his company has suffered a major setback and cannot comprehend why the people invaded his area and torched the tourist lodge.
Some people, thought to be herders, set the lodge on fire about two months ago. Some had grievances for not being allowed to bring their cattle in the ranch.
The ranch in the conservation area covers 4,500 hectares, where wild animals roam freely. ?We have suffered great loss because we already had a lot of bookings from November to January at the lodges; we had to rebook the visitors in other hotels. Generally the damage is about 1.5bn/-,? said the owner.
Mr Jones noted that between January and March they would have made a 150m/- transaction, which is now a pipe dream after tour operators sounded the alarm over insecurity at West Kilimanjaro area. He said they plan to reopen the lodge this coming January.
?I cannot comprehend why they should enter our premises and set fire on our properties while we commit substantial amount of money to the community projects and services,? said Mr Jones.
However, he hinted that some people were against his long-term plans to conserve the environment, stop tree harvesting and poaching activities, hence decided to bring in their cattle and later set the property on fire.
The investor said they had planned a lot of projects, such as initiating student volunteer programs in the district, which now have to be rescheduled.
He said that he had planned to retire so that another director, Eric Jones takes over, but the events have forced him to change his earlier decision and has to carry on with work.
Commenting on the matter, Siha District Commissioner (DC), Dr Charles Mlingwa, assured all investors, tourists and potential investors of their security as well as that of their properties.
Dr Mlingwa said he is working closely with Kilimanjaro regional authorities, as well as security and defence committees in the district and region to maintain sustainable peace and stability.
He urged herders to adhere to laws of the land, observe set boundaries and graze in their areas so as to avert conflicts with other land users.
He said Siha has about 45,000 cows and the district receives many more from other districts that are brought in for grazing.
By DEUS NGOWI, Tanzania Daily News
