Following the completion of a tour in Lukusuzi National Park, Zambian Tourism and Art Minister, Charles Banda, said he was disappointed with the depletion of wildlife and high levels of encroachment in the park.

The Post reported that the minister had said Zambians should learn to appreciate the conservation of wildlife.

Banda said: “After having toured this place, one would have expected to see wildlife; national parks are associated with wildlife but this is a depleted area, completely depleted. We even wonder whether we should continue calling it a national park or we should de-gazette such areas for settlement. What has caused this, in my opinion, are the illegal settlements that we have been able to see.”