Director of Parks and Wildlife Brighton Kunchedwa has confirmed that Vwaza Game Reserve and Nyika National Park are planned to close as the two are posting losses amidst declining tours attributed to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Director, the tourist attraction sites used to make more than K1 million a week but are now making K65,000 a week. “This is a very sad development but we understand the situation,” Kunchedwa said. Meanwhile, the government is considering taking over the running of the parks on a temporary basis until the situation improves, as hundreds of employees risk losing their jobs, should the parks shut down.

Last month, Junior Game Rangers were on nationwide strike, demanding the promotion of officers, provision of Personal Protective Equipment in the wake of Covid-19, risk allowances and coverage salary arrears.