Forestry officers aiding illegal timber harvesting – MPOSHA

By Lupindula Mwewa

Green Economy and Environment Minister MIKE MPOSHA says some forestry officers are aiding illegal timber harvesting in forest reserves across the country.

Mr. MPOSHA says some officers from his ministry are aiding the illegal timber harvesting which has led to timber species to be on the verge of extinction.

He says it is sad that people charged with the responsibility of protecting the forest reserves are now championing illegalities.

Mr. MPOSHA says government is in the process of introducing legislation that will provide stiffer punishment for officers aiding illegal timber harvesting.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on North Western Province Minister ROBERT LIHEHU in Solwezi, Mr. MPOSHA said government is committed to protecting timber species and forest reserves.

And Mr. LIHEFU has called on the ministry to regulate indiscriminate cutting down of trees.

He said numerous investors have settled in the province and are indiscriminately cutting down trees to pave way for mining activities adding that the vice should be looked into as this will lead to deforestation.

Mr. LIHEFU called for the protection of the timber species in the Province through introduction of legislation that will provide for stiff punishment for indiscriminate cutting of trees.