Communities living along the Kasungu National Park boundaries in Chisinga and Chulu are at risk of renewed human–animal conflict this farming season following the suspension of protective fence construction meant to keep wildlife inside the park.

Director of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), Brighton Kumchedwa, told Zodiak on Wednesday that the fence project, initially expected to be completed by now, has stalled due to a boundary dispute between community members and park authorities.

For years, communities surrounding the park have endured persistent human–wildlife conflict largely due to the absence of a wire fence, which has allowed elephants and other wild animals to stray into villages, destroy crops and, in some instances, claim lives.

To address the problem, the Government of Malawi, with K2.8 billion support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), launched a project in 2024 to construct close to 145 kilometre wire fence around the park.

However, more than 14 months later, close to 15 kilometres of the fence, mainly the section covering Chisinga and Chulu where human-animal conflicts are most common, remains incomplete.

Making it clearly, Kumchedwa confirmed that the delay stems from disagreements over the park’s exact boundaries.

“Community members had settled inside the designated protected area, and we asked them to relocate to pave the way for the fence. Unfortunately, they resisted and obtained a court injunction halting the exercise,” he said.

He added that the injunction has not only halted progress but has also compromised the safety of wildlife and neighbouring communities.

“That stalled section has created loopholes that allow people to access the park illegally and engage in activities such as poaching, thereby retarding tourism development,” Kumchedwa said.

Traditional Authority Chisinga expressed concern over his subjects’ continued resistance, warning that the delay could expose communities to fresh elephant invasion incidents that have previously led to food shortages and loss of life.

“I will engage my people to help them understand the importance of this project, with the hope that work can soon resume to reduce human–wildlife conflict,” he said.

So far, about 133 kilometres of the fence have been completed, leaving less than 20 kilometres outstanding. According to Kumchedwa, construction is expected to resume once the court delivers its ruling on the boundary dispute.