Tourism and Arts Minister Ronald Chitotela has warned that he will fire Munda Wanga staff management if they do not improve its service delivery in the third quarter of 2019, which ends next month.

In a statement issued by Ministry of Tourism public relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe, Tuesday, Chitotela expressed concern that there had not be any improvement at the ecological facility despite President Edgar Lungu’s visit last year.

“Tourism and Arts Minister Ronald Chitotela has said he will have no choice, but to change the staff managing Munda Wanga if things do not improve in the third quarter of 2019. The Minister said Munda Wanga cannot develop beyond human capacity to run it. He expressed concern that there has been no improvement despite the concerns expressed by President Edgar Lungu’s when he visited the facility earlier this year,” the statement read, after Chitotela made an impromptu visit, Monday.

“The Minister said his predecessor, Charles Banda, also visited the park and expressed concerns, too. Chitotela said he wants to see transformation at Munda Waanga so that it generates substantial amounts of income for the Treasury.”

Chitotela noted that a change of mindset was still needed if the facility was to improve in its operations.

“He challenged management at the park not be tying development to money, as he believes many organizations have developed even with limited resources at all. The Minister said what needs to be done to improve the state of affairs at Munda Wanga is to have a mindset change for management. He said if the facility starts to generate enough incomes, there is every justification to ask for more funding for further developments,” read the statement.

“Munda Wanga Sanctuary and Botanic Gardens has been well-known as a home for ambassador wildlife species and rehabilitation centre for injured animals or those recovered from pet traders. The greenery at the botanic garden provided beautiful retreats for people wanting secluded environment, especially during weekends.”